The Villa and my PTSD

[Five Villa Tattoos]

Been meaning to write this for some time but now as I wait in the pub prior to another defeat I have finally built up the courage to do so.
I was diagnosed as having PTSD three years ago. after an horrific assault whilst at work. (I'm a prison officer). The details I won't bore you with.
So how do the Villa figure in all this?
Well they're my "old me" time. Away from horrific memories and thoughts, I can just be the old me , prior to my assault. At least what I think the old me was like. Another face in the Holte.
No one judges me and The Holte has become my sanctuary from myself. Even for just 90 minutes. The handshakes when I arrive, from the same old downtrodden faces, a knowing nod and smile from others, the wisecracks, wondering how many we'll lose by,the singing, the passion from us fans. I don't even know most people's names.
On the Holte I'm just a VILLA fan, as I have been ,thanks to my Dad, for over 40 years. Not the broken person I am elsewhere.
As shit as this season has been I'd like to thank you, my fellow Villa fans for being the passionate and proud people you all are. I, at least, appreciate everyone of you from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks for reading and UP THE VILLA.

[cdbearsfan]

Well worth sharing, and brave to do so. Good luck with everything.

And I'm glad at least one of us seems to enjoy the games!

[Five Villa Tattoos]

The game itself, a definite no!! 😊

[CT]

Really brave and honest post. All the best to you FVT.

[Yossarian]

Up The Villa.

Good luck with your journey.

[Malandro]

If you ever need somebody to have a chinwag with - I've been living with PTSD too.

Enjoy the game!

[markeeeebeeee2005]

Well done mate.

More power to you for the recovery you are making.

[Chris Jameson]

You're amongst friends here, hope there are many better times ahead for you and Villa.

[Jean Quereue-Quereue]

Yes it's a good constant to have in your life.  When I was caring for my mom it was a perfect excuse to escape and have some 'me time' for a couple of hours.  And the point about the crowd is so true, I don't know the name of the guy next to me but we've chatted about how going there helped him after his dad died.

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

And colleagues, Don't let the b@astards grind you down!
Good luck and all the best.

[croatian]

Good luck Mate,
brave post.

Strange, but good, to think that a place as unremittingly awful as Villa Park this season can be giving some comfort to one of our own.

[Ian.]

You sound like a very brave person deep down. All the very best for your future recovery. I really hope you enjoy the game today and there some goals to celebrate on the terrace.

UTV

[VinnieChase84]

UTV mate
Brave post 👍🏻👍🏻

[pauliewalnuts]

What a lovely post - an oasis of cheery humanity in a sea of doom 

Good on you.

[VillaAlways]

Lovely post.

Good luck with your recovery