How Los Angeles captured my heart.
It all started with two neck surgeries, an archaeological dig in Orkney, and a wedding.
I know these events do not seem connected to Los Angeles, but they set the stage for my discovery of a city I now adore.
On June 1st, 2019, I attended a wedding in a small hall in Inverness. The bride walked down the aisle to the Star Wars theme, a moment of pure joy.
Later that day, while dancing with the bride and groom, I discovered a lump on my neck, larger than a golf ball. It was a shocking moment that led to surgery and then another to fix complications.
While recovering, I was placed on bedrest. My girlfriend – now wife – left for Orkney to participate in an archaeological dig through her university, leaving me alone and restless.
Struggling with sleep and mental health challenges, I turned on the television one night. By chance, I stumbled upon a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.
That night sparked a new obsession. The following day, I watched Lakers highlights all day, wanting to learn everything about the team.
Shortly after, tragedy struck with Kobe Bryant’s passing, followed by the coronavirus pandemic. In the midst of such darkness, I got engaged. Los Angeles became my escape and my motivation to dream of visiting when life returned to normal.
From Lakers to Rams
My newfound love for the Lakers led me to the Los Angeles Rams.
Another fan recommended the Rams’ legendary 2018 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. One watch, and I was hooked.
My dedication paid off on February 13th, 2022, when the Rams won Super Bowl LVI. My wife and I celebrated at home, cheering as Cooper Kupp scored the winning touchdown. It was another connection to the city that had already given me so much.
On July 20th, 2022, my dream came true. Two days later, I married my wife at El Matador Beach near Malibu. We celebrated with a Dodgers game, entering the stadium as ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ by The Cult played.
Now, my heart aches for Los Angeles as wildfires devastate parts of the region. But if there is one thing I know, it is that this city always finds a way to recover. Los Angeles has been knocked down countless times but always comes back stronger.
This is my love letter to the City of Angels – a place that inspired me, comforted me, and gave me hope during the hardest times of my life. Los Angeles, I love you.
Story originally by former writer Stuart Warren.
