In a world where grand romantic gestures often steal the spotlight, it was a small, silent act of care that defined Lynda Leigh's relationship with her husband David. Their love story, which began with financial advice and ended in tragedy, shows how true connection often lies in the quietest moments.
An Unlikely Meeting in Canberra
Back in 2013, Lynda was a divorcee in her early 40s living in Canberra when she needed financial guidance. A friend recommended David Stephens, a polite, plain-speaking accountant who visited town periodically. The moment they met, Lynda noticed his sparkling blue eyes and impressive 6 foot 3 frame, dressed smartly in a suit and tie.
During their financial discussions, David noticed Lynda's hearing aids and shared that his ex-wife and stepson had given him trouble about his own hearing concerns. He remarked that she seemed too young to need them. Lynda, who had worn hearing aids since she was eight, responded that he shouldn't view them as making someone appear old.
When Lynda had an upcoming appointment with her hearing specialist, David somehow arranged to join her. The receptionist mistakenly addressed them as married couple Mr and Mrs Stephens, causing Lynda to blush while David, being a natural flirt, thoroughly enjoyed the mistaken identity.
The Development of a Deep Connection
Over coffee after the appointment, David continued the Mrs Stephens charade, joking about ensuring she had a shoe closet in her financial future and suggesting they might get a better deal on hearing aids if purchased together. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and when they met for dinner the following week, David invited Lynda to join him at a family wedding in Brisbane.
Just weeks later, Lynda found herself attending a wedding with a man she barely knew. During the reception, David shared that his sister had told him Lynda should have been his first wife. As their relationship deepened, David frequently expressed interest in learning sign language, concerned that communication might one day become challenging between them.
This consideration moved Lynda deeply, as she had grown up when any sign of disability was stigmatised. She had always felt made to seem difficult or not trying hard enough. To have a partner who valued what she had to say enough to worry about future communication barriers was profoundly touching.
The Gesture That Spoke Volumes
Lynda had developed a lifelong habit of not putting her hearing aids on until after her morning shower and coffee. Listening required significant effort, and her silence in the mornings had never bothered previous partners. Then came the morning when David approached her at the breakfast table and presented her hearing aids like a precious gift.
This small, silent gesture communicated everything about how much David valued Lynda's company and conversation. Every time he quietly invited her to hear and be heard, she found herself falling in love with him all over again.
David proved to be a true gentleman in every sense - opening doors, pulling out chairs, and taking exceptional care of his Lady Lynda, as he affectionately called her. Their evenings followed a beautiful ritual: the table would be set with candles lit, music playing, wine poured, and meaningful conversations about deep matters would flow.
A Tragic Ending to a Beautiful Love Story
David proposed on their tenth anniversary, and the couple married in 2024. Their life together included two rescued Great Danes, Ellie and Leroy, completing their family picture.
Tragically, their happiness was cut short by David's lifelong passion for flying. He had obtained his pilot licence in 1969, even before learning to drive, though life responsibilities had interrupted his flying. Lynda had encouraged him to return to the skies, even after a five-year battle with cancer delayed his reaccreditation.
On what should have been another ordinary evening, David sent Lynda a message from Wangaratta with his estimated arrival time at Moruya airport. Lynda prepared dinner, lit the fire, and set the table with their usual care - tablecloth, serviettes, and wine glasses waiting to be filled.
But David never returned home. After eight years of flying again, he became disoriented over the Snowy Mountains and crashed. The man who had so thoughtfully cared for Lynda was gone in an instant.
Lynda reflects that while David's absence is excruciating, she takes small comfort in knowing he died doing what he loved while coming home to her. She reminds herself that only the most successful marriages end in death, and the times they shared represented the happiest days of her life.
