Rediscovering Love Amidst Life’s Trials
in 2022, I found myself merely going thru the motions of life. After navigating the challenges of managing two restaurants during Melbourne’s Covid lockdowns and dealing with the emotional fallout from a failed marriage, I was utterly tired. It had been an overwhelming few years; I had vowed to take a break from love and embrace a slower pace of life.
A Surprising connection
however, as spring approached, I unexpectedly began conversing online with an intriguing individual named Scott—a gardener who also dabbled in physics. our first phone call lasted until dawn, filled with engaging conversation that left me enchanted by his enthusiasm for dialog. Yet, after that initial connection, he vanished for several weeks. I couldn’t help but wonder if my requests for him to let me speak more often had driven him away or if my cynical side had reared its head during our chat over wine.
Fortunately, Scott returned to our conversations with renewed energy. On New Year’s Day 2023,I invited him over again for another night filled with endless chatter about my neglected garden. A couple of weeks later, he surprised me by showing up unannounced—secateurs in hand—ready to tackle the gardening tasks.
The Language of Love: Acts of Service
I soon discovered that Scott’s primary love language is “acts of service.” He genuinely enjoys helping others with their chores and finds joy in being useful. His knight-in-shining-armor routine made me feel incredibly special at that moment.
Though, out of embarrassment about having already hired someone else to tend to my yard (which I kept secret from him), we ended up cleaning out gutters together rather—a task neither glamorous nor romantic but surprisingly bonding. As we worked side by side on the roof—Scott handling the mess while I managed the ladder—we shared laughter and camaraderie that deepened our connection; this day would forever be known as “Gutter Day” in our relationship lore.

A New Chapter Together
About six months later, Scott moved into my home—a surprising turn given our contrasting personalities: me being a delicate goth and him a rugged tradesman. while working at a bar where flirtation was part of my job description alongside selling fancy wines,we maintained constant interaction through texts even when apart.
A few weeks later in late June when returning home one evening after work meant finding Scott asleep—something unusual since we typically shared nightcaps before bed—I didn’t think much until he remained drowsy into the next day.
An Unexpected Emergency
The following evening brought concern as his lethargy persisted; instinctively reaching out to michelle—the emergency nurse next door—I learned it was best to seek medical attention immediately.Upon arrival at the hospital, it became clear something serious was amiss when he struggled even to form sentences during triage.
The news hit hard: doctors discovered a 1.1cm subarachnoid aneurysm on his brain which had likely been hemorrhaging for approximately twenty-four hours prior! My heart sank as reality set in—I needed strength not only for myself but also for making critical decisions regarding his treatment without having met his family yet.
A Moment of Realization
This harrowing experiance forced me into clarity; faced with losing him ignited an undeniable realization within me: life without Scott felt unimaginable! As I nervously signed consent forms amidst chaos around us—it solidified what true devotion felt like deep down inside!
The Road To Recovery
Scott underwent triumphant surgery but remained under sedation for several days afterward due complications related post-op care upon waking up revealed no filter whatsoever! This raw honesty could have exposed darker aspects—but rather confirmed what I’d always believed: kindness lies at his core regardless how vulnerable circumstances may render us both!
Do you have your own story about realizing you were truly in love? Whether it’s subtle moments or dramatic events like mine above – share them!