Memories & Nostalgia Seven Years On By Mike Gaynes 10/04/2024 7 Comments [Jump to last] Share: I am reminded... it's seven years since the second-greatest moment of my life (runner-up only to my first kiss with Sarah). Putting a souvenir autographed ball down on the penalty spot at the Park End – both the ball and the illegal access to the Goodison pitch being gifts from the magnificent Kevin Johnson, former TW contributor and forever friend. Driving the pen into the net past ceremonial goalkeeper Keith Harrison, and then being chased off the pitch by a large security guy, fleeing with Pete Mills and Rob Halligan and Kev and Keith and I believe Patrick Murphy. A moment of transcendent joy on, I believed, my only trip to Goodison. The cancer was unstoppable, the remission temporary. Bye, guys. A month after going home, back in the hospital, the stunning news that the new drug designed to slow the cancer a bit was, in fact, starting to actually save some lives. Mine was among the first. Now there are thousands. At the time of that kick, however, I never would have believed I'd be around so long to remember it, or to experience so much since. Or... to see our beloved Everton brought so low, to such desperation year after year, to so much humiliation from the football powers that be.. But as gut-wrenching as our current situation may be, we can never forget that there is always hope, and there are always heroes. Dom kept us up. Douc kept us up. Maybe this year it'll be Dwight or Garner or Tark's big head. But somebody will do it. I'm still on the top side of the grass, and Everton is still in the Premier League. We're both staying. Never doubt it. Reader Comments (7) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Peter Mills 1 Posted 11/04/2024 at 07:29:44 Nice post Michael. It wasnt a bad penalty kick. Tony Abrahams 2 Posted 12/04/2024 at 08:05:29 A beautiful story Mike, especially because our football club, are in a similarly precarious position right now, so let us hope and pray, for a similar outcome.Life is very precious, just like Everton football club, is very precious to us lunatics who have the club, on our minds, morning, noon and night, so go and have your one pint of Guinness, Mike, and quietly ask the lord, that although you dont want to sound cheeky, could he please help you out, once again.🤞💙 Danny O’Neill 3 Posted 12/04/2024 at 08:13:47 Great story Mike.Where did you put it? Place it in the corner or smash it down the centre?A shame it wasn't filmed and you could have got rugby tackled by a policeman like the guy at the 1966 FA Cup final! Rob Halligan 4 Posted 12/04/2024 at 10:49:10 Great memories, Mike. Seven years gone by already since your first visit though, seems like it was only yesterday. Glad you're now fully recovered and will hopefully be making a further visit over for one of the first games at the new Everton stadium.Danny, I still reckon Mike scuffed his penalty shot, but as it was only Keith Harrison in goal, there was never any doubt as to where the ball would end up……..right in the back of the onion bag! Ajay Gopal 5 Posted 12/04/2024 at 14:09:05 Great story, Mike. Keep going and I am quite sure you will see us back to the glory days of 5th or 6th. Who knows we might even win a cup! Jay Harris 6 Posted 12/04/2024 at 14:50:48 Mike you've had it tough over the last few years with Covid, the family being held up abroad, and your health.It's good to know you have had a special moment that few Blues can experience and I hope that spurs you on to a full recovery and long-lasting health. Dale Self 7 Posted 12/04/2024 at 15:22:36 Fantasic spirit, Mike. The grass is good. Shine on brightly my man, Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb