Published Friday, Feb. 14, 1997 
VALENTINE'S DAY ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
A wall of photographs is a testament to the family life Joanne Bonacci Titus shares with her husband, Jeffrey, and son Tyler. Mrs. Titus won fourth place in The Herald's Valentine's Day contest. Mrs. Titus, who had cancer, wrote how her then boyfriend ``never waivered in his love and support.'' (Jean Angelo/Herald)
Pair loves in sickness and in health
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Joanne Bonacci Titus, Transfer, writing about her husband Jeffrey
I am writing to let you know of the most wonderful man on this earth. It all started 12 years ago in April of 1985 when we met, and it was love at first sight.
After our second date, we decided we would date no others; we both knew we were made for each other and wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.
Unfortunately, fate played a cruel joke in August of that same year; I was diagnosed with cancer. The love and support my then-boyfriend gave me was the true meaning of the word love. He never waivered in his love and support for me through some very rough times of surgeries and radiation treatments. He was always there and let me take my frustrations out on him and he never said a word.
This wonderful gentleman gave me a diamond engagement ring in December of that same year, to let me know that through good times and bad and in sickness and health we were meant to be together. I accepted his marriage proposal in December of 1985 and we were married in August of 1987.
We now have a 7-year-old son, Tyler, who is in the first grade at St. Joseph school, who is the absolute love of our life being that we were told due to my treatments we may never be able to have children.
Everyone who knows my husband knows him as a quiet man, and to the point, but you may not know how loving and giving and unconditional his love is. My love for Jeffrey was from the moment I saw him, and over these 12 years (10 years of marriage), my love and respect have only grown bigger and better with each step. Happy Valentines Day, Jeffrey. I love you with all my heart and soul.