Category Archives: Friendship

Young Love (#66)

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I continued to attend family get-togethers and church functions in Chicago as a single girl without her partner, repeatedly explaining where Nate was and why he wasn’t with me. But I took heart in knowing that soon I’d be able to stop explaining and start introducing!

vietnamAlthough there was still the possibility that Nate would have to go to Vietnam, it seemed unlikely, and we never talked about it. But with Nate in a military environment learning how to wage war, I’m sure it was on his mind.

July 18, 1969 – Dearest Meg, future Wife. Last night before I went to sleep, I thought of how secure I was in your love. I could go directly to Vietnam from here for a year and never doubt you lovingly awaiting my return. That you love me makes me the most fortunate man in the world. And I never tire of looking at your beauty and telling you of it. You are an enchanting woman.

July 18, 1969 – Dear Nate. Thank you for the wonderful letter I received today. It’s so encouraging to hear you say so many nice things about me. I love you for giving me a lot more credit than I deserve! Thank you so much.

July 19, 1969 – Dearest Fiancée. I wish I could describe in words my feelings – after a hot, dusty day in the field, coming back to a letter from you. If I could describe that, I would be a Tolstoy. I just shaved “out of my helmet” which is better done in the evening while there’s still daylight. We rise so early each morning, it’s still dark out – hard to see what I’m doing!

July 19, 1969 – Dear, DEAR Nate. My parents keep mentioning your letter and how pleased they were with it. They are already thinking of you as part of our family. I attended a church function last night, and they were there, too. Dad mentioned how glad he was about our wedding, and he’s far more enthusiastic than I’d ever hoped! Mom, too, is really excited.

July 19, 1969 – Dearest Meg, my Love. You are the best thing in my life. You come before law, the Army, and everything else. And together we will worship the Lord. I love to pray. I especially love our prayer times together, asking for guidance, power, and strength. I thank Him many times a day for you and for our love. I believe He is blessing us in this separation. He’s making us love each other more and more and more. (But I do wish you were here in this pup tent with me!)

July 19, 1969 – Dear Nate. You remember my friend Connie. Tonight she threw a big party for her folks’ 25th wedding anniversary after working very hard on it. There was dinner and then a mock wedding, and Connie was the bride, wearing her mother’s bridal gown. I sang a duet with another friend. We hammed it up on “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life.” People laughed at all the right places. Pastor Sweeting came up afterwards and said, “You should sing for us on Sunday evening in the main auditorium. How about 8:45 pm?” Of course the auditorium is empty by 8:30. As he turned to go, he said, “I’m anxious to tie that knot!” Me too!

July 19, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I just got a letter from my brother, who said he got a leave to be at our wedding on 29 November. So he will definitely be my best man. By the way, I don’t think you should take the pill when we’re married. If there is even one chance in a trillion that it would injure you, I would never want you to use it. I love you!

friendlyJuly 19, 1969 – Dear Nate. Everybody here is anxious to meet you, all the people at the church. You’ll be going through a lot of introductions, I’m afraid. But you’re so good at a friendly hand-shake, I hope it won’t be too painful for you. I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to “show you off!” (That’s a compliment, in case it didn’t sound like one.) I’m especially glad I won’t have to say, “I wish you were here” much longer… because you will be! Yipeeeee!

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Young Love (#54)

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mother-in-law-letterBoth Nate’s parents and mine had taken up the charge to pull together a big wedding in just a few months. Nate’s mother called and invited me to come visit them when Nate returned from Army camp on July 25. I assured her I would.

We were confident God was leading us through each decision, and we knew everything would fall together on time. I hoped to move down to Champaign at the end of August to be near Nate as he went back to law school and was anxious to prepare a newlywed home for us in an apartment near the university. The fact that I didn’t have even one lead on a teaching job didn’t bother me. I was trusting that God would show us what to do.

July 9, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I wrote my folks about the rehearsal dinner and guest list. Please feel no hesitation in calling or writing mother. Don’t be reticent. She is very eager to know and be with her new daughter. Even visiting her overnight would be very nice and generous of you, if you want to make the 4 hour drive. You both could have a good girl talk.

July 9, 1969 – Dear Nate, my fabulous fiancé! You will never know how much all your letters mean to me. They have truly factored into the growth of our relationship. And now we have a written record of all of it! When I received your THREE letters today, I was alone in the apartment but found myself exclaiming aloud, “I love you! and “Oh, Nate!” I got really excited over the things you wrote. You’re an excellent writer, but on top of your words, the message they convey is even more wonderful! I always thank the Lord that He let us find each other.

in-topekaJuly 9, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I get flashes of you in my mind like flashbacks in a movie – smiling, laughing. You’re on my mind constantly, and in a flash your beauty is even more striking and breathtaking. I appreciate you more every minute. In one month we can celebrate your birthday, then mine 10 days later. Just think – someday we’ll celebrate our babies’ birthdays! Cake and diaper-changing during the same party!

July 9, 1969 – Dear Nate. When you write that you are secure at last about my reciprocal love for you, this makes me heart rejoice! At last we are on an equal level of love and trust and candor with each other. I love you so much that sometimes I feel like bursting inside! I’m so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to experience this depth of love. By the way, I bought a new dress to wear to your friend’s wedding. It’s mint green brocade with tiny baby-blue accents. You’ll love it. And I love YOU!

July 10, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I need you, and you need me. Fulfilling each other’s needs is a complete 24-hour task requiring every thought, word, and deed. I love you so much! I hope I can always please you. I am glad we’re waiting until 29 November for sex. It will mean more that way, even in our spiritual and emotional senses.

July 11, 1969 – Dear Nate. You are kind and generous to remember my birthday and to do so with such enthusiasm! Wow! And when you commented about diapers and birthday cake at the same party, I about fell off my chair with that thrilling realization! You will make an excellent father, aware of the needs of others as you are, and will be especially good with your own wife and children. You’re responsible and stable, and I know I’m VERY lucky I get to marry you!

“Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” (Psalm 146:5)

Young Love (#47)

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As Nate and I struggled with being apart (and with Mom’s uncertainties about our wedding), God was answering prayer – starting with a solution to our homeless-in-August dilemma. But #1 in our minds was the upcoming July 4th weekend… finally about to arrive!

camp-and-campersJune 30, 1969 – Dear Nate. God has answered our prayers for a housing situation in August. Moody Church needs counselors at their summer camp, Moody Youth Camp, and they say they’d love to have us both come for the month of August! You would have a cabin of boys, and I’d have a cabin of girls. We could be together every day and wouldn’t be putting my folks out at all in their “new” house. It’s going to work out great!

June 30, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m thankful for your sister Mary and how she is encouraging you about your mother. She’s a wonderful sister and a strong Christian influence. We should both listen to her advice.

my-groomJune 30, 1969 – Dear Nate. All evening tonight I sat and smiled at your picture. You are sooo handsome! I’m looking at you right now. I love your square jaw, which is a sign of determination (just like the Duke of Windsor) and those beautiful straight, white teeth. I love your green eyes and your gorgeous blond, shiny hair, and also your straight nose. But it isn’t just your physical features I love but the YOU underneath them. I’m going to sleep now, to dream of you. Kisses and kisses and more kisses for you…

June 30, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Several of my friends here with whom I share food, congratulate you on the best Rice Krispy cookies they (and I) have ever eaten. And thank you in advance for your trip to Kansas coming soon. I’m so excited about giving you the ring and about you having it that I can hardly sleep! I love you, Woman of Beauty. How lucky I am! And I love our sharing of time in prayer and our talks about faith issues. Tremendous. Thank you, my Meg. 

July 1, 1969 – Dear Nate. My Corvette is in tip-top condition now, after Bervin spent 6 hours repairing everything the crooks damaged when they stole it. Dad thinks I should get rid of it soon, now that it’s in good shape, and look for something more practical. I don’t know… On another topic, tonight I drafted letters to my principal and the head teacher about my not returning to teach in September. I think this will smooth things over nicely.

July 1, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m praying for us, for you, for peace of mind and heart, especially with you and your mother. I have begun to write to my potential groomsmen and ask them to stand up. Thank you for doing so much work on the wedding at your end. Once I get there, I’ll join you in all of it. We can talk a great deal about everything over the upcoming weekend. We’ll have to decide what we want engraved in our wedding bands, too.

July 1, 1969 – Dear Nate. In the middle of August, Moody Youth Camp will be having “Family Week.” Counselors won’t be as needed then. What do you say about our leaving camp for that week and spending it with my parents at their summer cottage in Michigan? Things with us are moving too fast for them, and this might help slow everything down. And P.S. In just 2 days I’ll be getting on the Santa Fe to head to Kansas and my fiancé! When you get to the Holiday Inn in Topeka on July 4, if you can’t find me, I’ll be at the pool. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit!

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans for a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)