Pulling my last pint before I clocked off for the night, I realised someone was watching me. ‘Are you going to buy me a drink after your shift?’ the handsome stranger asked. I was taken aback by the cheekiness, but I was instantly drawn to the mischievous glint in his eye. ‘Go on then,’ I said, pulling another pint and putting it down in front of him.
It was November 2012, and meeting Damien, then 22, for the first time, I loved his charming confidence and his jokes. ‘Are you going to give me your number?’ Damien asked, passing me his phone.
Arriving home an hour later, a message pinged through. For the next few days we were in constant contact, firing texts to each other all day. Meeting up for our first date, we chatted about all sorts, telling each other about our families and swapping funny stories. After a few drinks, Damien told me he had some health problems. ‘I have epilepsy,’ he explained, saying he had three seizures most weeks. But I wasn’t fazed, and by the end of the night I couldn’t wait to see Damien again.
We became an item, and three months later, in February 2013, I moved into Damien’s flat. Seeing him have a seizure for the first time was scary, but he’d taught me what to do. I’d learnt to spot the signs if he was about to fit and I was always there to put him into a comfortable place, remove any sharp objects and make sure he wouldn’t bang his head until the seizure ended. It wouldn’t be long after that he’d start joking around again!
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra September 12, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?