I first met Ashley in January 2010 during the first day of a children's literature class. For those of you who don't know I am also an education major and will graduate in the fall. I had a previous career in the investment and mortgage fields. I can't recall exactly who sat down first, probably the overachiever (not me), but I was seated in front of Ashley. I am generally a pretty quiet person until I get to know someone and very private with my personal life. Ashley was bound to change all of that within the first 30 seconds.
The strange part about the situation was that I didn't feel uncomfortable when she was asking A LOT of questions. I could immediately sense a caring person who was generally interested in what I had to say. A lifelong friendship was born within seconds. I don't say this lightly; however I was blown away by her drive and zest for life. I wanted to follow her to see all the great things I knew she would accomplish. Here are a few pictures so you know what I mean:
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| Here is an example where Ashley lead the opening activity at career day at Kingsbury Elementary. She called the girls from her Girls on the Run team up to help and we were the side kicks as she did the button turning chant. |
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| One of our only pictures together before we started dating. Again, at Kingsbury Elementary |
Let's be honest, nobody really wants to sit in a class on a beautiful Thursday afternoon but, I couldn't wait for that class so I could see Ashley. During that class we did every single project as a team, actually I showed up and Ashley did all the work. Our very first project was an author study and I pleaded that we use my favorite book of all time Make Way for Ducklings. That was the first and only time I have ever won ANY concession from her. Ashley didn't like the fact the book was in black and white because as we know every color in the spectrum has to be used in Ashley's work. I think we used that book because Ashley understood the personal significance that book holds in my heart.
We quickly became the very best of friends. Anything significant that may happen in one of our lives we would immediately tell each other. Ashley MADE me sign up for Skype so we could talk whenever we wanted. We texted so much that I am fortunate that I have unlimited texts. Our conversations centered around school and football. If anything important happened in my life I immediately thought I have to tell Ashley or what would Ashley think.
That semester and summer we we did a few innocent things together like grocery shopping and a trip to Swan Lake with my nephew. I soon realized that grocery shopping wasn't the same unless Ashley was with me. The time at the park was very special. Ashley bought all kinds of toys for my nephew and I could see how much she enjoyed spending time with him. Perhaps I was a little jealous.
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| Here is a picture of my nephew and me. Ashley met him two years before, and he didn't forget the fun time they had together! |
As time went by I realized how much I needed Ashley's friendship. I was learning a lot about myself through Ashley. If I was to make a decision I would talk to Ashley first. I kept thinking that I could only ever be friends with her and I would cherish our friendship forever. Soon I realized that I missed Ashley when we would have to spend long periods of time separated from each other.
Early in 2011 it became apparent to me that I had developed feelings for Ashley. If I would have sat down and made a list of what I was looking for in a girlfriend Ashley would have checked off every box. I had made a pact with myself that I didn't want to date anyone until after the stress of school was over so I just kept my feelings for her to myself. In November of last year a large group of Education majors went on a field trip to Atlanta. Ashley and I sat on opposite ends of the bus just because I was the last one to board. Ashley brought her lap top back and sat down with me for the trip to Atlanta. I was so very happy that she was sitting next to me and that we could laugh and relax with each other.
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| This was on the trip to Atlanta. It was just us being friends! |
Early this spring I knew Ashley would be graduating soon and would probably take a job in Columbia or Lexington. I had to say something. I had missed other opportunities in the past because I didn't speak up and there was no way I was letting Ashley get away. It was almost like a movie to me. I had one opportunity and I wasn't going to let anything stand in my way. I mustered the courage and told Ashley that I had feelings for her and I wanted her to stay in Sumter. As is Ashley's way she quickly moved on to something else and I felt lost for a few moments. I knew I wanted her in my life and now wasn't sure what she would say. I understood her relationship status at the time and throughout those first two years, but now I wanted a chance. We were simply innocent friends and now I was telling her my feelings and that could have ruined a great friendship. Luckily Ashley responded with a YES! and we planned an ice cream date for a Saturday afternoon. Time has passed and our frienship has blossomed into something very special. There will be much more to our story as time moves forward and I can't wait to tell more. What I can tell you now is this; I have never been happier in my life and I know that is because of Ashley. Ashley is still my very best friend and soon I will be able to call her more than that!
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| I love thinking about how far we have come over the past two years. I can't imagine life without Ashley in it! |
Little bits of Happiness: Grocery Shopping and Ice Cream Dates
