Kate: memories of my late father

BY @NIBBLER83

 

My Dad died on 19th July 2011 just one month and three days after being diagnosed with cancer. He was only 66. He was my best friend. I remember when I was younger I used to follow him like a shadow and particularly recall sitting and watching him repair the family cars.

 

Since he passed away I have thought so much about the Arsenal stories he told me. I can recall when they won the Double in 1998 and he asked if I wanted to see the celebratory bus tour. I didn’t need to be asked twice.

 

I wish I’d have had the chance to go to an Arsenal game with him, I really wish I had. It breaks my heart that I never got to go to Highbury with him by my side. When he found out the club were going to build the Emirates he showed me on a map where the new stadium was going to be; in 2009 I bought a tour of the Emirates for a combined birthday and Father’s day present. I went with him and we enjoyed, what I didn’t know at the time, would be our last father-daughter day out together. He loved it, every minute. He spent the tour telling me all about the old players, and was fascinated by all the new facilities – the changing rooms, the press room, the pitch. We visited the museum as well and he told me about the games he watched as a lad with his mates. I believe one of his friends had a flat near the old ground and before they built the Clock End it used to have a view over the pitch which meant they didn’t have to go to the game! Since my best friend, my ideal perfect hero of a man died, I’ve become a Red Member at Arsenal and been to two games. The game against Manchester City on November 29th was my first. I was nervous and uncomfortable as I sat and watched the game in such a large crowd. As I left down Gillespie Road I missed him so much. I kept thinking about all the times he must have walked these roads causing mischief and having a laugh with his mates. All the street names, Avenell Road, Highbury Hill, Drayton Park, Blackstock Road they all came flooding back to me from his stories. I cried. My second game was against Leeds on January 9th 2012 – I was on my own, but little did I know how good it would be. I took the train from Royston to Finsbury Park, walked (or speed-walked as my Dad seemed to do) to the ground, got in but couldn’t find my seat. I spent the first half sitting in an empty one until I had time to find the one I’d purchased. At half time I found it, it was right at the back. I’ve now got my own rule for watching the Arsenal – if I’m going, I need to sit in the Clock End! End of story.

 

I will go to as many home games as I can. It doesn’t matter whether it is alone or with someone else, but watching Henry’s return showed me that we’re there for the same reason – a pure love for the club. I’ve never shouted like I did when he came on, never screamed or sung songs at the top of my voice like I did when Thierry scored. I loved it. I am the 29year old woman I am today thanks to the wonderful man who brought me into the world. He showed me things and taught me things I’ll never forget. He made me who I . I’ve got my shirt I’ve got my membership, I’ve got my Dad’s scarf and a small Arsenal teddy keyring.

 

So far, I've been to every home game since November 2011. I am a GOONER because of him – my wonderful caring, honest and bloody huge Arsenal boy.

Memory added on August 22, 2012

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