In 1994, the developer I worked for moved me to FL to build East Point Medical Plaza in Lehigh Acres. That’s where I met Bobby, my Valentine. He was the adorable, smart, funny lead electrician on the job. I had been there about 7 or 8 months and worked with him but nothing more. I gave him a couple hints that I wanted to “get to know him better,” but he wasn’t biting! Finally, one day I offered him a ride. He didn’t need one but it was going to be my last effort. He got in my car and we stopped at the Blue Sky Café. It wasn’t even a block away but we spent the rest of the evening talking over a couple beers. After that, we had fun going to Light up Orlando, fishing, riding jet skis, hanging out with Bills Backers watching football and last but not least, Bobby was getting to know Bella.
Bella was the beautiful Keeshond Mom and Daddy got for me in ’93. She was my girl and she was not at all happy when Bobby first came into the picture! She was downright spiteful and did funny things I never would have expected. When I went to work, she pulled placemats off the table, pillows off the bed and turned couch cushions upside down. Not like her at all. She was super smart but clearly didn’t like change! By the time she liked Bobby, the building was complete and it was time to go back to NC. That was in March of ’95. It was so hard to be apart but Bobby became a frequent flyer and one of his trips was to tell Daddy he wanted to marry me and get his blessing.
We got married July 29, 1995 at Berry’s Grove Church in Timberlake and Roger Overton, the pastor, sang our song “Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd.
I couldn’t have been happier! That was a long time ago and I often miss those first 4 years together in Florida. I had a dream job working for a developer from Houston, Bobby and I were happy newlyweds and we became proud new parents 2 years later. Talia loved the water (beginning at 10 days old,) the beach, warm sunshine and of course, Bella (Bebba until she could say Bella!) So many happy memories!! No matter how difficult or flawed the next 20 years have been at times, Bobby is still my love and I sure am thankful he still loves me.
The following quote is by Trent Shelton. He’s a former NFL player and now he’s a man with an inspirational message that gives people hope. I love finding people who have found their purpose through faith in God.
“Your flaws are perfect for the heart that’s meant to love you.” Trent Shelton
I remember the first time I saw you from a distance. I was the electrical supervisor for the Medical Office Building project we were on, and knew what time you would get to work. I would look for you to see you pulling up to the construction office trailer and when I saw you walking to the building I would go call the elevator so I could be in it when it came to the first floor for you. I didn’t know until that evening at Blue Sky that you were interested in me. Later the elevator trick became the way we shared our good morning kiss each day. Those memories of us are very precious to me and remember them as they were yesterday. Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetie. Love you Always and Forever. Your Bobby.