She’s a True Life-Changing Presence

Svetlana – or Lana, as everyone lovingly calls her – is one of those rare souls who seems to have been built to heal and nurture. For the past seven months, she has not only brought light and joy into Graham’s life but has also shown him what it truly means to love and be loved. From the very first moment they met, Graham felt like they had known each other for years.

“The connection we share is something I had never experienced before,” he says. As they celebrate their first Christmas together, Graham wants to make it as special as she is.

Lana is a mother to two wonderful children – Wyatt (15) and Lola (12). She raised them on her own while working as a primary care paramedic, one of the most demanding and selfless jobs imaginable. Paramedics often witness the worst moments in people’s lives, and yet Lana’s ability to remain calm, compassionate, and collected is awe-inspiring.

She is also pursuing her master’s degree in developmental psychology, with a dream of helping children overcome trauma and achieve their full potential. She volunteers with local First Nation groups, contributing to their healing centers and cooking “Breakfast at the Bridge,” where anyone in need can enjoy a warm meal.

“Her dedication to others is unmatched,” Graham adds.

Despite the heavy emotional toll of her career, Lana has managed to create a warm and loving home for her kids. She has taught them how to self-regulate their emotions, think critically, and value themselves as individuals.

Her parenting style reflects her own resilience; she overcame a traumatic childhood and chose not to let her past define her. Instead, she used it as a foundation to build a better life for her family.

Her love and support extend beyond her own children. She also helps her younger sister raise Braelynn and guides her with the same patience and wisdom. Watching Lana with her children has taught Graham how to connect with and support kids in a meaningful way – something he never thought he would learn.

One of Graham’s favorite memories with Lana is from the early days of their relationship. They were both dealing with tough situations at work, and when he came home from camp after a particularly grueling week, he expected to support her through her struggles. Instead, Lana simply held him and said, “No matter what happens, we will always be there for each other, and I will always be here for you.”

That moment changed everything for Graham. “For the first time, I felt truly seen, supported, and loved in a way I had never experienced before. It was in that moment that I knew Lana was the one for me,” he said.

Lana’s passion for life is infectious. In her free time, she loves foraging and exploring the natural beauty of North Vancouver Island. Whether she’s collecting rocks, beach glass or driftwood, or crafting small gifts with her mom, Lana’s happiness is palpable. She has even introduced Graham to the joys of rock hunting – a hobby he never thought he’d enjoy until she showed him the beauty in it.

Graham fondly recalls their first date, when they went to the beach near Port McNeill to hunt for rocks. Lana twisted her ankle on a slippery rock, and they ended up limping back to the truck with only a few veggies and pepperoni sticks from their picnic basket. “I thought for sure she’d ghost me after that, but here we are, stronger than ever,” he added.

Lana’s strength, intelligence, and boundless compassion never cease to amaze Graham. “She is the calm in my storm, my home base, and my center,” he says.

Before meeting her, Graham had spent years feeling rudderless and alone, unsure if he’d ever find someone who truly understood and supported him. Lana has enriched his life in ways he never thought possible, and she has given him the opportunity to be part of her children’s lives – a dream he thought was long gone.

“Svetlana, I want you to know that since you have come into my life, I have been enriched like I never thought possible. Your presence and kindness have been an incredible support to me. Allowing me into your life and your kids’ lives has made me a better person. I always dreamed of being a father or stepfather but figured those dreams were long gone until I met you. I love you so much.” – Graham