Angee had used
her charm and wit to get Hannibal to take us to where Tevin was. The closer we
got to the door, the more excited I became. Somehow, I knew exactly what she
was doing and I trusted her completely. I followed her and with each step in
that direction, my heart could feel the closeness to Tevin. When Angee got to
the door, security stopped us saying that we weren’t allowed in that direction.
Apparently some other people had caught on to where we were headed and followed
suit. However, as we were at the door, Angee managed to work her magic somehow.
(Teeth and charm as she calls it, lol). It was as if Angee stood in the doorway
holding her foot in the doorway, not allowing it to close before she accomplished her
mission. Her natural persistence, mixed with passion to make my dream come true
was more than enough for the both of us. I didn’t realize that she was just as
invested in this as I was. When I say I picked the perfect buddy to go with, #SheDidThat!
Little did I know she was standing there talking to Tevin in the doorway while security held the rest of us back. But nooooo, not Angee…..her commitment level paid off. While me and a few other folks sulked in the impression that we couldn’t get to him, Angee had already told Tevin, “Look, I have someone who really wants to meet you. You have to meet this girl!” The next thing I remember, Tevin glanced around the corner and we locked eyes. Here I was, staring “Heaven” in its face, begging God not to awaken me from this dream. All of the bad things I had done in my life prior to that point were enclosed in this last prayer, “Lord please don’t let me wake up right now. I have got to meet this man and tell him how much I love him….personally.” Luckily, Jesus was on my side that day and found pity in my distress and split the waters like he did for Moses. When Tevin looked me in my eyes and said, “Tasha? Come on, gir!" God, Himself, had to carry me through that door because I don’t remember walking through it!!!
Little did I know she was standing there talking to Tevin in the doorway while security held the rest of us back. But nooooo, not Angee…..her commitment level paid off. While me and a few other folks sulked in the impression that we couldn’t get to him, Angee had already told Tevin, “Look, I have someone who really wants to meet you. You have to meet this girl!” The next thing I remember, Tevin glanced around the corner and we locked eyes. Here I was, staring “Heaven” in its face, begging God not to awaken me from this dream. All of the bad things I had done in my life prior to that point were enclosed in this last prayer, “Lord please don’t let me wake up right now. I have got to meet this man and tell him how much I love him….personally.” Luckily, Jesus was on my side that day and found pity in my distress and split the waters like he did for Moses. When Tevin looked me in my eyes and said, “Tasha? Come on, gir!" God, Himself, had to carry me through that door because I don’t remember walking through it!!!
So here we are in the back with
Tevin, conversing, taking photos and laughing as if we were longtime friends
catching up on all the lost years. As Angee was capturing photos of us sharing this moment together, Tevin says, “Tasha and I go way back, this is my girl right here.” At that
moment, I had to pause and tell him the truth. After all, what is a
relationship without honesty? ; )
“Tevin, you know this is my first
time meeting you right?”
“But…..the picture?!?”
“It was photo shopped! This is my
very first time meeting you. My friends made that picture for me.”
Tevin had such a confused look on
his face as he looked at Angee for confirmation.
“Yes, Tevin, this is her first
time meeting you,” Angee confirmed.
We all burst out laughing in
disbelief that it actually worked. Talk about creativity….!
When it was time to go, Angee
says to Tevin, “Bye, Tevin, I’m going home now, nice meeting you.” So of course
I say to him, “But I’m not. I’ll see you at the 9:30 show.” Then once again
Tevin blows me away with such simple
words that could only warrant an instant meltdown inside coming from his lips, “Bye
Dodson, see you inside!”
What???
Not only did he know me by my first name, but my last name too?Unbelievable!!!
So as I was leaving, the line for
the 9:30 show was wrapped around the corner already. While walking past the
line I heard someone call my name. When I turned around it was a group of
people in the line asking, “So you’re Natasha, huh?” My immediate response was,
“Oh, you must’ve been inside of the first show?” After chatting a bit and
taking a few more photos with people who dubbed me as “Tevin’s #1 Fan,” I
finally get to my car….BAREFOOT, mind you! (from my broken shoe earlier).
The excitement that I had was so
overwhelming that Angee and I stayed in the parking lot for a good 30 minutes
watching the videos we had taken and looking through all of the photos (which
included a lot of screaming as well!)
By the time I called my girls who I was supposed to be meeting for the second show, Jessica was already inside. The second show had already started but I knew I had time to bypass the opening acts (no offense), so I decided to wait outside for Bridget. (Here is a pic of Bridget, his drummer BJ, and myself outside acting crazy before the 2nd show!)
By the time I called my girls who I was supposed to be meeting for the second show, Jessica was already inside. The second show had already started but I knew I had time to bypass the opening acts (no offense), so I decided to wait outside for Bridget. (Here is a pic of Bridget, his drummer BJ, and myself outside acting crazy before the 2nd show!)
When Angee
dropped me back off in front of the building, she said, “Tasha, there is Tevin…..standing
right there!!!” I didn’t believe her and didn’t bother looking. I thought she
was playing so I ignored her as I got out the car. After I got out and glanced over,
I realized it really was him. His back was turned so I wasn’t quite certain.
But me, knowing my man, knew it was him.
In my head I kept thinking, ‘Don’t scream
Tash. Just walk calmly to the window to get your tickets and do not embarrass yourself.’
Well, that was my plan but it
didn’t quite work out that way. I only wanted to say hello and keep walking.
“Hi, Tevin.” I
said as I kept walking, screaming inside, but composing myself in front of him.
When he turned and noticed it was
me, he said, “Dodsonnnn……” walking towards me embracing me with yet another hug. This
night seemed to go on forever. I couldn’t believe it was actually happening.
And I also couldn’t believe how calm I remained. (Took a lot of prepping myself
prior to the show, trust me). We talked for a little bit before his second show…….(about
what? I still can’t remember everything. It’s like I was there, but not there. But I definitely had some private, unbelievable moments with my boo).
Overall, Tevin put on
an awesome performance as expected, and it was everything and more that I had
dreamt of. He signed autographs, took pictures and sang his ass off the entire
night! He still has a voice of excellence and a silky-smooth quality worthy of an
even greater comeback. And with no doubt, I will be here to support every step
of the way. That's what a wifey does!
THAT is the Campbell that I fell in love with back in 1993. To have such a tangible experience with him after more than 20 years of loyalty is not enough to put words into a blog!
My name is Natasha Dodson and I approve this message!
Mrs. Campbell........OUT!
