The morning Nate got on a bus headed for his Army duty in Kansas was a sad day for both of us. We stopped en route to have a little hot coffee… and lots of “hot kisses.” Along with many other soldiers, he stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn in Topeka, ready to report for official duty at Ft. Riley early the next morning.
As he sat in his motel room, he began writing a string of post cards (supplied by Holiday Inn) full of sweet words to me, but I never received them. Not knowing his military address (which he thought he had mailed to me), I wasn’t able to send my letters to him, either.
It turned out to be a 5-day black-out with neither of us hearing from the other. When his first letter finally arrived, I could tell by his handwriting he was upset.
June 17, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I am sorry my letters have not arrived until so late. I omitted my return address zip code, along with everyone else in my platoon, and the Army didn’t mail them. We just learned this tonight. I tried to call you, but no answer. I have written you so faithfully, every day, and the Army wacked me. I love you. You’re a beautiful Christian woman; I’m in love with you. I’m with you in my thoughts. Being away is rough, but finding out you haven’t gotten my letters makes me so sick and angry that I don’t know what to do. So I pray. Christ will unite us. Love, love, Nate
Nate needn’t have worried. Not for one minute did I doubt his continuing love, despite the black-out. He’d been consistent throughout our relationship, and I wasn’t the least bit worried. When his first letter finally arrived, 7 others quickly followed, proving me right.
June 13, 1969 – Dearest Meg. We arrived here by 8:30 pm on the day I left you, after liberal gas and coffee stops – and another stop for lunch, then breakfast. Went 70-75 mph through Illinois and Missouri, 85-90 in Kansas. One week ago was a quiet night with you.
June 16, 1969 – Dear Nate. I just ran to meet the mailman, hoping he had something from you, and he brought me multiple postcards and a long, enthusiastic letter from my fiancée. I practically kissed him! But really, my kisses and love are all and only for YOU!
June 15, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you so much that being away nearly breaks my heart. But there’s good news. I will get a 3-day weekend over the 4th of July. You could come down and stay at the Holiday Inn in Topeka, about an hour from Ft. Riley. And I can get a pass.
June 16, 1969 – Dear Nate. I love, love, LOVE you and can’t wait to tell the whole world we’re going to get married in November! Kisses and love, Meg
June 16, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Wednesday evening to Saturday night we have a bivouac – camping out in the woods. My letters will be few. I’ll write each day, though, and mail them later. I really look forward to your letters. There’s a chance I might get KP over the 4th of July weekend, in which case I wouldn’t be free. But I made a reservation at the Holiday Inn in my name… hoping.
“Endurance produces character.” (Romans 5:4)