I remember that game. Arrived for an end-of-season game to find the South Stand absolutely bouncing, full of Boro fans. It was their promotion party (1-1 draw - unfortunately we have seen similar since!). Things being chucked on the pitch, pitch invasions - it was all happening.
Sorry for your loss.
It is good to hear of so many dads who took their lads for the first time when the dads themselves had little or no interest in football.
I had to wait for my dad to take me - because he was always playing football! So my uncle suddenly decided to take me to my first game...