Long before I even had heard of David Bledsoe, I moved to Memphis to finish my Master's Degree in Psychology at the University of Memphis. I remember on the very first day of classes, as I was walking through the hallways trying to find where I was supposed to be, I came across a flyer with the picture of the sweetest little boy I had ever seen. It was a flyer requesting assistance with teaching this little boy who happened to have Autism. Since I had just moved and I was looking for a job, I tore off one of the little phone numbers and looked forward to calling the mother that afternoon. I had been working with children with Autism for several years, and was very excited to continue that work in a new city. Thankfully that mother hired me, and soon, over the next several months and thanks to lots of word of mouth, more families hired me to work with their children. I became very close to several of these families, and especially close to one particular family, the Allens. I worked with their son, Peyton, but soon found myself spending more and more time with them. They became a huge part of my lives.
One day, a few weeks after I had broken up with my boyfriend, the dad (Bubba) mentioned to me that he had a co-worker who he thought I should meet. He was very specific in telling me that he wasn't setting me up with the guy, and he didn't even really want us to date--but he thought we would be good friends since we went to many of the same places/bars. He gave me David's phone number, and I didn't really think much of it.
I don't really remember what I specifically said, but I sent David a text message a few days later. I knew that he liked Tennessee football, so I'm sure it was something about the most recent game, or my love for Ohio State football, or something silly. And, that was it. We texted back and forth a few times, but no real communication. This went on for about a year. We would send a random text here and there. (One time, I had gone on a trip to Ohio with my mom and niece, and I had texted David, teasing him about the Vols losing and the Buckeyes winning. I hadn't learned his sense of humor yet, so when he told me that he was walking naked around Kroger and people were looking at him funny, I actually fell out of bed laughing--I wasn't sure if it was true or not!)
Through all this time, David dated other girls and I dated other guys. Neither of us really thought much of the other--it was just one of those kind of crazy situations where we would always somehow keep in touch. (I can see now that this was a TOTAL GOD THING--God knew all along what He was doing.) We saw each others' pictures, and I thought he was so handsome. Unfortunately, the picture he saw of me at the time evidentally wasn't a very good one of me (he says now it didn't even look like me) because he didn't think I was pretty. :)
At one point in March of 2008, David got tired of texting and actually called me. It was the first time I had heard his voice! I didn't even know who was calling me at first--he souned like a country hillbilly. (I remember picturing him wearing a cowboy hat and boots..HA!) We talked for a few minutes, and that was that. Then, I few weeks later, I made a phone call that would start it all. I'm not proud of what I did, but I am so thankful that I did what I did. :)
I had gone out with some friends on a Friday night and had a little too much to drink--my inhibitions were definitey lowered. Anyway, knowing David worked nights and would be awake at 2:00 in the morning, I decided to call him to tell him good night. He didn't answer, so I left him a message. The next morning when I realized what I had done, I was mortified. mor.ti.fied. So, I called him again (!!!) to apologize. Again he didn't answer, so, again, I left him a message (and prayed that I didn't make a complete fool of myself).
He called me back that afternoon when I was at work at the Allen's house. They were having a cookout at a friend's house that afternoon that I was going to be attending. I sat on the steps of their house and talked to David for several minutes. He was sooooo nice about the whole thing. He even laughed and teased me a bit. During the conversation, I mentioned the cookout and asked him if he wanted to come. He said he would think about it and let me know. So, off to the party we went...my heart fluttering the whole time. I checked my phone almost every second that night...waiting for his text. Then, when I had almost given up hope, he texted that he was on his way. :)
From that night on, we have either talked or been together every single day. A week after we first met, he came to my 26th birthday party, and that's the night that I truly knew he was the man I was going to marry.
Here are some pictures from our life together:
When I look back at the last 5 years, I can't help but be so incredibly thankful for every day I have had with David. He is the most kind, loving, caring, hilarious, and giving man I have ever met. Every day, David pushes me to be a better person, and he expects that I be the best person I can be. I am so proud of David and the father that he is to our kids, and the friend he is to so many. Through all the ups and downs of our life together, David has been steadfast. He has never left my side, even when I was the hardest to be with. :) I wish I could fully express into words how much I love him!!
Thank you for reading our love story!! :) We love you all!
