The boyhood dream has come true

[DavidB6937]

As many of you know, last April I lost my son. To say the past year has been the hardest of my life would be an understatement, and I'm incredibly grateful for the support and escape that this place has given me over that time.

Wrestling has been a part of my life for as long as I remember. Random VHS tapes from my dad's friend. All the amazing VHS covers on the shelves at Woolworths. Video games from the Game Boy onwards and Wrestlefest down the arcade. A few shows with my parents including UK Rampage and Capital Carnage, which I always assumed would be the closest I got to a genuine WWE PPV until Money in the Bank came here.

I've always found solace in wrestling. Sure, WWF was where it all started but I enjoyed WCW at the time too, then went through my ROH phase at uni and been dipping in and out of all sorts ever since. The amazing TNA at Universal days where you'd see legends in such a small venue. Or even WWA where you'd meet Bret Hart!

It never mattered to me that it wasnt cool. I had the stickers and the trading cards. I collected figures. Even when I met my first gf online and long distanced and stayed with her, I was so excited to actually watch RAW live for once (sorry Kassie). I just have so many wonderful memories associated with wrestling over the years. Especially this place.

One thing I always dreamt of was being able to take my son one day. To have that moment I had with my mum and dad (obviously with less of Jacqueline's tits) but it just wasnt to be. That's probably the hardest thing about all of this. Letting go of all those dreams I had for us as a family.

But then I thought - do I have to? I was looking at ways of celebrating his life this week as the 1 year hits and funnily enough I noticed WrestleMania was on at the same time. Obviously at first I thought no you're fucking mad. And then I thought you know what? Why not.

And so on Wednesday I fly out to Vegas and at the ripe age of 43 I go to my first and only WrestleMania. For the child that always dreamt of doing it and for the child that can't. The best thing in my heart that I can do to pay tribute to him is live life.

This isn't about booking. This isnt about quality. This is about the experience. This is about allowing myself to live and be happy and not feel guilty for it. And he will be there with me in spirit. Well, he better fucking be at those prices.

I'll be strutting like Oba. I'll be getting cursed by Danhausen. I'll be booing Hunter and Pat but making sure I cheer Seth Rollins for everyone here.

I've also kinda overdone it by booking a Hollywood excursion and seeing a Jerry Seinfeld show and various other bits. I'm spending a fair amount but still less than getting a photo with Stephanie McMahon so..

Life's too short. Go hug your loved ones. Go take the trips. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

[Chili]

That was a really lovely post and I hope you have a fucking incredible time, for both of you. 

[CTXRussomark]

What an incredible post.  I had no idea you'd suffered such a loss but it's always really heartwarming to hear how the UKFF has been an escape or relief to people (including myself) in such situations.  Have a fantastic time at Mania mate. 

[Supremo]

Fantastic post. Hope you have the best time. Please update us on all the happenings.

[FLips]

Hope you enjoy it mate, did you go for the Pasta making package?

[SuperBacon]

53 minutes ago, DavidB6937 said:

seeing a Jerry Seinfeld show

I'm most jealous of this. "What's the deal with Pat McAfee?"

[Chico Torres]

A wonderful, moving and inspirational post. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you and I hope you have the greatest time at Wrestlemania and beyond.

[TheScarlettChad]

I hope you have an amazing time. I can't imagine what you've been through. And to write this post took immense courage. Thank you for telling us. 

[thevestofdeanambrose]

Fantastic post and you are one of my favourite posters to read here! I'm sorry for your loss but go celebrate his life at Wreslemania! Have a great time man!

[FUM]

Have a great time mate. And I’m sorry for your loss, I had no idea.

Hope it’s one of those shows that surpasses expectations but absolute worst case the spectacle of it is fantastic and I’m glad I done it just once.

[RedTwoster]

I had no idea you suffered something so awful, and I was genuinely moved by this post. I hope you have an amazing time. You’re one of my favourite posters on here, and an incredible person on top of that. We’re lucky to have you on this forum. 

[Ronnie]

Thank you for sharing, after last year's shattering upheaval. All credit to you for being able to do this for the two of you. I hope that those few hours of escapism give you some small sense of bringing him back alongside you for just a little while.

 

[SpykeDudlei1]

A post that puts so much of our lives into perspective. Every time we moan about something a little bit shitty (but ultimately trivial) or think about posting that online insult or unnecessarily rude response to someone we don’t actually know, remember this post and maybe think twice.

We never really know what others are dealing with.

Go and live that dream for your son this weekend, @DavidB6937, and take all our best wishes with you as you do.

[simonworden]

Beautiful post and I would say pop it in the post of the year nominations right now. Have a wonderful time.

[tiger_rick]

12 hours ago, DavidB6937 said:

As many of you know, last April I lost my son. To say the past year has been the hardest of my life would be an understatement, and I'm incredibly grateful for the support and escape that this place has given me over that time.

Wrestling has been a part of my life for as long as I remember. Random VHS tapes from my dad's friend. All the amazing VHS covers on the shelves at Woolworths. Video games from the Game Boy onwards and Wrestlefest down the arcade. A few shows with my parents including UK Rampage and Capital Carnage, which I always assumed would be the closest I got to a genuine WWE PPV until Money in the Bank came here.

I've always found solace in wrestling. Sure, WWF was where it all started but I enjoyed WCW at the time too, then went through my ROH phase at uni and been dipping in and out of all sorts ever since. The amazing TNA at Universal days where you'd see legends in such a small venue. Or even WWA where you'd meet Bret Hart!

It never mattered to me that it wasnt cool. I had the stickers and the trading cards. I collected figures. Even when I met my first gf online and long distanced and stayed with her, I was so excited to actually watch RAW live for once (sorry Kassie). I just have so many wonderful memories associated with wrestling over the years. Especially this place.

One thing I always dreamt of was being able to take my son one day. To have that moment I had with my mum and dad (obviously with less of Jacqueline's tits) but it just wasnt to be. That's probably the hardest thing about all of this. Letting go of all those dreams I had for us as a family.

But then I thought - do I have to? I was looking at ways of celebrating his life this week as the 1 year hits and funnily enough I noticed WrestleMania was on at the same time. Obviously at first I thought no you're fucking mad. And then I thought you know what? Why not.

And so on Wednesday I fly out to Vegas and at the ripe age of 43 I go to my first and only WrestleMania. For the child that always dreamt of doing it and for the child that can't. The best thing in my heart that I can do to pay tribute to him is live life.

This isn't about booking. This isnt about quality. This is about the experience. This is about allowing myself to live and be happy and not feel guilty for it. And he will be there with me in spirit. Well, he better fucking be at those prices.

I'll be strutting like Oba. I'll be getting cursed by Danhausen. I'll be booing Hunter and Pat but making sure I cheer Seth Rollins for everyone here.

I've also kinda overdone it by booking a Hollywood excursion and seeing a Jerry Seinfeld show and various other bits. I'm spending a fair amount but still less than getting a photo with Stephanie McMahon so..

Life's too short. Go hug your loved ones. Go take the trips. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

You fucking idiot, you could have gone to AEW Dynasty for a quarter of the price!

I'm, rather inappropriately, joking. That's an incredible post and I only just avoided breaking down in tears reading it. I hope you have a wonderful time and celebrate the memory of your beautiful little boy. 

If you can update this thread with your travels, I'd love to read it. I'll even avoid being a cyncial cunt about them bastards in New York for a bit!

Safe travels.