So... .
Tough night to take but these results happen.
You'll have to excuse the next self indulgent bit of the post but I'm proud fit to burst of our club. As some of you may know wonky Saint has her difficulties, She has a very rare genetic condition as well as physical difficulties and autism. As part of her Autism she tends to get obsessed with certain things, for the last 2 years that has been Saints and in particular Gavin Bazunu. As she shares a birthday with him, with the help of Mrs Lincoln she wrote a letter and a birthday card to Baz at the club. We didn't ask or want anything but we sent it off.
Today we got an email from one of the player liaison officers saying how pleased Baz was with his card and that he'd like to meet her to wish her a happy birthday in person! So after a few emails back and forth it was arranged that we could stay after the game and Baz would come out of the dressing room to meet her pitch side.
He did just that and she could barely contain herself. He signed a ball for the lad and gave her the biggest hug ever. I cannot believe how kind he was (some people can be awkward around the disabled, usually nothing in it but just the way it is) but he was just so calm and lovely to her. He then took his shirt off and signed the back of it with a personal message just for her.
A few years ago we were worried she might never talk or be able to walk to school. Today she walked from Bedford place car park to the stadium, met her hero, wished him a happy birthday and is going to sleep with his matchday worn signed shirt laid out very carefully on the side next to her bed. I'm not too proud to admit that I've had a few private tears tonight.*
A big, massive thank you to the stewards for their help today.
I will now fight any man to the death who criticises Gavin Bazunu. Our wonderful, kind goalkeeper.
Imy club.
*she is going to be a complete dickhead when we try and get her up for school tomorrow
Lovely mate, glad you and your family had that experience. Here's hoping there's a lot more special moments to come from the club for her.
