Boxing day football is a tradition in our family dating back as far as I can remember and an away day fixture makes it even more special as it becomes a boys day out.
Boxing day 2013 see Southend Utd having an away day to Accrington Stanley, them of the "who are they?" milk advert quotation. It was decided as usual that we would make the trip and we asked Addie if Andy was allowed to come out and play, he was given a gate pass for the day and we set off on the 560 mile round trip. Andy's health wasnt brilliant and he attempted to sleep during the journey but as this was his first proper away game, the excitement was evident and sleep was limited. We made several stops on the journey, mainly to allow Nathan to top up with food and also for natural breaks. One particular break Andy decided he needed to sit down and contemplate the worlds problems whilst taking a natural break, he explained that with all his medication this may take a while.
After what seemed an eternity he started to get some grief from the travelling party who had by this time drank their coffee and eaten the burgers, the voices were beginning to get louder as they cajoled the encamped Andy in number 3 trap. People came and went looking confused but still we waited until we heard a voice that said "with all my medication you may not want to hang around". Puzzled we left and waited outside, a few minutes later Andy appeared with his trademark smile and a look on his face that I will always remember, all he said as we got in the car was, "lets not stop here on the way home" he had emptied the male rest room and all he could do was smile. When I travel north and I stop at the services on the M62 I still see that smile, I see the slightly guilty look and I look to the sky and say thank you for the memory