Lovely tribute Phil, my sincere condolences.
I can relate to the football and father connection. My fondest memory with my dad was him taking me to old Trafford for my first time. Cantonas debut against city no less, but it’s always stayed with me.
My dad lived Gaelic sports and used to bring me to all the games. We used to discuss it alot, I even accidentally recorded one of our conversations on Dublins success only a few weeks before he died.
I remember going to the games after he died and it was difficult.
I was only saying to my son last night that it’s better to of loved and lost then to of never loved at all. I think my dad dieing was one of the most traumatic events of my life as I adored him and really relied on him. But I leaned into his death, allowed myself grieve. I didn’t try to push down my anxiety, sadness or anger, I let it breath when it needed to and as such I feel I dealt with his death in a healthy manner. The pain can come in waves, it was over whelming at times.
Best of luck to you and your family Phil
