LOVE in

Xena Lane describes Rowan Hamilton as someone she can depend on and someone who she can do things with when no one else is available.

Through an unexpected injury, the University of Oregon senior met the person she loves spending time with.

Lane was sitting in her dorm room experiencing another lonely night in Eugene. A notification popped up on her phone — it was a message from Hamilton. He invited her to go skateboarding at the local skatepark under the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge.

At one point, Lane skated into the bowl, but her leg slipped off the back of the board and twisted. As she lay on the concrete, a sharp pain shot up and down her leg. Her vision blacked in and out. She was unable to walk on her leg.

“He laid me down on the skateboard and pushed me to the car,” Lane said.

After the doctor confirmed Lane’s leg was broken, Hamilton cared for her during the recovery process. For two and a half months Hamilton bought her groceries, made her food and drove her around Eugene. The two then began to have feelings for each other and started officially dating.

Lane values Hamilton’s constant generosity and care. Having those qualities in their relationship is what keeps Lane and Hamilton’s love salubrious.

“I love being in a relationship,” Lane said. “Your partner should be your best friend and someone you want around all the time.”