ALTON - William and Jeanettea Bowens of Alton say their relationship, which began Feb. 18, 2011, and led to their marriage on Nov. 18, 2018, is rooted in faith and a commitment to support each other through both joy and grief.
In information submitted for “Love" stories near Valentine's Day, Jeanettea M. Bowens described her relationship with husband, William, as “two very different people” who “respect and embrace one another's differences by demonstrating unconditional love, support & devotion through biblical principles daily.”
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“We are not trying to be perfect in a world that most are focused on image,” she said. “Our goal is to reflect the love of Jesus that looks like us being patient, kind, no envy, never boasting, slow to display anger towards one another, always showing honor, being protective, and keeping no record of wrongs. Our love is very intentional.”
Bowens also shared a memory that centered on a family emergency, describing a night when the couple received a call from the hospital telling them to come quickly to the bedside of her father-in-law.
“Of course, our hearts were heavy, yet this was a time we needed to support each other with the love we stood before our families and friends and vowed to do,” she said.
According to her account, a doctor told them her father-in-law would not make it through the night. She said they prayed together, told him they loved him, and held his hand.
“We began to pray together for our Dad, expressed how much we love him, and held his hand as he transitioned from life to eternal rest in the arms of Jesus,” she wrote.
Bowens said the experience underscored what the couple believes about partnership.
“Love is not all fun and fuzzy, yet I would not give anything to experience all this life has to offer without my amazing husband by my side,” she said. “Most people only reflect on the times that made them smile. But when you can navigate life with a spouse who you feel safe enough to cry with, you're blessed cause everyone wants to smile beside you but does not want to experience the tears that life sometimes brings.”
How to submit
Submitting your love story is easy. You can fill out our Love Story form at https://contribute.riverbender.com/page/tell-us-your-love-story/ or email us at news@riverbender.com.
