He made a pact not to date for a year after his wife Amanda's death.
An Indianapolis pastor whose pregnant wife was murdered during a home invasion robbery in 2015 has found love again.
Pastor Davey Blackburn took to his blog Tuesday to announce the big news just days after the two-year anniversary of his late wife’s slaying.
Amanda Blackburn was shot in the head during an attempted burglary when three men entered the family’s home through an unlocked door after Blackburn had gone to work. Amanda, who was 12 weeks pregnant, was home alone with the couple's then 15-month-old son, Weston.
Jalen Watson, 21, Larry Taylor, 18 and Diano Gordon, 24, were charged with the murder.
In October, Watson pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and two counts of burglary, according to WLTV.
In the blog post entitled, “I just popped the question… & she said yes!” Blackburn documents his story of grief after the death of Amanda to meeting his now-fiancé, Kristi Monroy.
"I realize for many people this may seem a bit soon and trust me, it did to me as well," Blackburn wrote.
He told the story of how he tried to find ways to be around Monroy when he first saw her and eventually having their children, both age 3, play together.
He said he initially made a decision not to date until a year after Amanda’s death and wore his wedding ring up until that point.
"I knew this is what God put in my heart and I was going to stick to it," Blackburn wrote.
The dad went on to speak about how he first noticed Monroy at his CrossFit gym and a while later she began attending his church. They eventually were able to speak and he realized Monroy was close to Amanda’s story as her stepdad counseled the three men in prison who had shot Amanda.
"What?!" I was dumbfounded,” Blackburn wrote. “What are you doing, God? This girl that I've been interested in for a couple of months has this close of connection with my story? I couldn't help what came out of my mouth next. 'You want to go grab some dinner with me?'"
They decided dinner wouldn’t be a good idea but began working out and sometimes hanging out together
In August, they spent a week with his family and a week with Amanda's family.
Blackburn popped the question to Monroy on Nov. 8.
Blackburn said Amanda’s dad had given him advice about his relationship.
"Davey, take it slow until you know she's the right one. Once you know, go fast, and we'll be right there with you."
Blackburn quickly realized she was.
The couple plans to marry in December.
