Poor Nate. We were an unmatched duo – “Ready” and “Reluctant.” He continued to say there was no rush for me to commit, but surely there were days when he could hardly cope for wondering if and when.

One reason I was dragging my feet was what I’d been taught as a child. My parents insisted that if my brother, sister, or I committed to doing something, we had to follow through to the end, no matter what. It’s a worthwhile principle, but as a result of it, the magnitude of a marriage commitment weighed heavily on me. How could a person be absolutely sure she was saying yes to the right one?

Mar. 28, 1969 – Dear Nate. It was good to get a letter from you today… and to know your folks approve of what we’re planning next week. I must admit, I was very impressed with them when we met, that’s for sure! My ed class was dull tonight. My only salvation from sleep was sitting next to an open window. I’m praying hard about our situation and know the Lord will indicate concretely what He thinks of all we’re doing in our sincere attempt to follow His will. Love to you, Meg

Mar. 29, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you. Can’t wait till Monday! I’ll be at your apartment by 9 PM, after your evening class, and we can motor up to Wilmette from there. Thank you so very much for your prayers and encouragement. A beautiful and creative vixen can do a lot to see that a man always has the right attitude. Love, Nate

A journal summary of the week:

Nate arrived at my apartment exactly when he said, 9 PM on Monday evening of his spring break week. I was truly glad to see him! We stayed with Mom and Dad in Wilmette during the work week, and he studied through a tall stack of law books while I taught school.

Two of the five days, he accompanied me to work and threw himself into kindergarten activities. We lunched with my team teacher, and she reiterated her opinion that Nate would be a great husband. We attended mid-week prayer meeting at Moody Church, dined with my parents, hung out with Mary, Bervin, and several aunts, and had a groovy time.    

On Friday we drove to Nate’s home in western Illinois, and he gave me a tour of his old stomping grounds. It poured rain but was fun anyway. We spent the two evenings with his folks – nice people – and attended Easter service at his Lutheran church. That evening, Nate and I had a significant time of refreshing spiritual conversation, he and I with the Lord. It was wonderful. He was wonderful!

April 7, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you very much. Last week was fabulous, especially Easter Sunday. Letting Christ control my life through the Holy Spirit is the central thing in my life. Though my church background includes liturgy, any service is meaningful as long as it has the fundamentals: prayer, Scripture, hymns. If we let Christ have control, we can’t fail.

April 9, 1969 – Dear Nate. There are always so many little things I want to tell you, and when I can’t have the time to write lengthy letters, I’m frustrated to NO END! This is just awful. I’m trying to do my wretched income taxes. Maybe I’ll bring them to Champaign this weekend for your able assistance. I’m also trying to figure out what I’ll wear to the Military Ball. And it’s not just the dress but matching shoes, gloves, and shawl or cape. I can’t wait to get on that Illinois Central train and be on my way!

“Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”                   (2 Corinthians 5:9)

With “the other guy” out of the picture, the way was clear for Nate’s letters to take on more boldness. He kept busy studying and trying to care for 72 college freshmen in an atmosphere of escalating racial tension on campus. And his letters became longer and arrived in my mailbox more frequently.

As for me, I decided a good antidote for a broken heart was to go shopping…. for a new car.

Nov. 1, 1968 – Dear Nate. Guess what! I’m in the midst of finalizing a deal on a Corvette Sting Ray sports car of my very own! My brother-in-law Berv is helping me. It’s used, but what P-O-W-E-R and what jollies driving to work in it! YEA! It’s bright red, and a convertible. Poor Dad – at first he was dead set against it, and now he’s giving me the loan I need to make ends meet. Either I’m good at persuasion or he’s full of love. I think the latter. I love him, too.

Nov. 4, 1968 – Dear Meg. Did you ever think how much maturity and intelligence it takes to realize you’re not ready for a permanent emotional commitment yet? I think a great deal. It took courage and maturity to break up with (him). You’re prudent to date others and change cars (congratulations on the Vet!), and to keep active in your church work. Keep your mind on your future rather than on past romance. And by the way, there’s nothing wrong with going out with young boys. I’m 10 days younger than you….

Nov. 10, 1968 – Nate, are you pleased or dissatisfied about our new president? It’s good to know all the mumble-jumble of the campaign season is past. Our close friend, the Lord, knew all along that Nixon would win. I’m pleased that the entire thing is in His hands. Whatever happens now, we know things are under control, because look Who’s controlling! I’ve applied these same thoughts to my situation with (the other guy) during these first weeks without being attached to him. Every so often I get a terrible pang of missing him, but those moments are less and less. Before long I should be completely over it. Mary and Bervin have been sooo fantastic, and a letter of encouragement, such as yours, is a great uplifter. You don’t know how much. Nate, you’re really nice.

Nov. 20, 1968 – Meg, thanks for the photo of you and your Vet; both of you are beautiful. We had a little excitement which disturbed many of my residents. I spent much time calming people down. One young man was stabbed (a 6” arm wound down to the bone) by three other students. No arrests have been made yet, but my residents don’t want the thing to escape prosecution. Racial tensions are high. Your letters cheer me up and remind me (quite pleasantly) of their sender. I think of you rather frequently and would love to see you.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)