Category Archives: God’s plans for us

Young Love (#45)

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My mother threw us a curve ball when she told me she didn’t think we should marry in November after all. Nate and I had been progressing as if it was firm, but apparently she’d only been thinking “maybe.” Dad, as the middle man, tried to reason with both of us, but Mom kept bringing up “the way Mary and Bervin did it,” citing their long engagement as the better way.

Part of the problem was that Mom and Dad were about to make a big move, downsizing from their big house in east Wilmette to a small ranch in west Wilmette. Mom didn’t want to move, but Dad, ever practical, insisted it was time. They would move in July, and Mom thought it unwise to be packing, downsizing, redecorating the new house, and planning a wedding all in the same summer. She was right, of course, but two love-struck 20-somethings couldn’t see anything but each other.

marshall-fieldsJune 27, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m still upset over Mom’s negative attitude about a November wedding. But I have a strategy. I’ll offer to come and help with packing and getting rid of stuff. And in July, when I’m downtown looking for silver and china for the Marshall Field’s wedding registry, I’ll walk to Dad’s office and take him out to lunch. We’ll have a good conversation, and then he can convince Mom. I love him very much and am only beginning to appreciate him.

June 28, 1969 – Dearest Meg. There is some logic behind our choosing November, too. It will save double rent for a greater part of the school year as I continue in law school and you teach in Champaign. A November wedding also won’t conflict with law finals as a January wedding would, and the Thanksgiving holiday makes it easier for relatives and friends to be there. What sayest thou on all this, my love?

June 28, 1969 – Dear Nate. I say a November wedding, no matter what. I do realize our 4 parents have done a lot for us. They’ve put up with a lot, too. At least mine have. But once we’re married, we’ll invite both sets of them down to Champaign to show our appreciation. We will honor them as special guests.

June 28, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Remember, we have two sets of good parents, and we’ll love all 4 of them and eventually will convince them of our love, respect, and devotion for each other. I have the highest respect and love for your mother and father, and for mine. I know it’ll all work out in the end. I wish I could be there with you to help convince them. But this old Army = a deferment = law school = responsibility and ambition. We’ll talk deeply into this when you come.

June 28, 1969 – Dear Nate. Did I tell you I went to court on the Corvette? The two thieves got a month’s continuance on their case, although I won’t have to reappear. But both of them are out on bond, and I’m really upset that they might return to my street to do havoc on my car… or maybe on me! I’ll be glad when they get convicted and locked up! Gee, I’m scared. It was hard to look at them. The two policemen told me not to worry, but how do they know? One of the guys was charged with battery before, and drugs.

June 29, 1969 – Dearest Meg. It was wonderful to talk with you on the phone last night. You musn’t worry about those two guys. They wouldn’t dare repeat their crime.

loving-comfort

You can be absolutely sure of my complete attention, understanding, and love. I know you realize this now. Nothing could ever convince me I don’t love you, and my love and patience will always be there… to comfort you. I love you, Meg.

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26)

Young Love (#41)

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Nate and I continued our long-distance courtship with pen and paper, growing in frustration over not being able to be together. But the thought of a reunion over the 4th of July kept us both going. And if it included a proposal and engagement, so much the better!

parental-adviceOur 4 parents were concerned that we wouldn’t have a chaperone over that weekend, and his parents wrote to Nate, suggesting we invite my folks, or Mary and Bervin to join us. They said they would have volunteered but had important commitments at home then and were unavailable.

Neither Nate nor I wanted any chaperones on that special weekend, so we didn’t invite anyone. Though we’d be staying together in a motel room, we’d made up our minds to hold off on intimacy until marriage, and were determined to resist the temptation.

helmetJune 22, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’ve been out on bivouac for 4 days. We fired rifles all day and slept in tents at night. We put water in our helmets and shaved out of them. I just learned that the letters I wrote to you for three days last week were held till Wednesday by the Army before being mailed. I love you so much that I nearly cry when I realize that I can’t be with you. But Jesus Christ is so real to me here. I talk to Him privately all day long. Our faith is the only way for us.

June 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. Thinking about our wedding and planning for it makes me feel closer to you. I’m thankful you are asking for help about the groom’s duties. I’m enclosing a list of things grooms do, just for your general information. You certainly don’t have to follow it to the letter, but it gives you an idea of what to expect. And since your brother is also in the military and won’t come in till the last minute, you’ll probably have to do his “best man” duties, too.

kissesJune 23, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you so much. Thank you a billion times for your wonderful letters. And thank you for the postcard with the kisses on it. I especially like what you wrote on the back, that I don’t have to pick, because I can have them all. We got New Testaments today in church. I read through James and half of Romans. I’m also thankful for the Bible you gave me. Like the song says, “You make me so very happy!”

June 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I wrote your folks to thank them for visiting my parents and driving all that way. It worked out perfectly, and I’m amazed at how timely it all was. So far, everything has gone right. By the way, any time you have had a rough day or been treated unfairly or just want to ask questions about wedding plans, feel free to call me collect (if you can get to a phone). I’ll gladly accept any charges and will tell my roommates not to accept, if I’m not at home.

June 24, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for taking care of my books and clothes while I’m gone. I think of you every minute. Your blue eyes, beautiful hair, and warm body. I’m really lucky to be marrying you, Meg. And I thank the Lord I can love another person so much. We are running 5 miles every day, but much harder than that is being away from you, my Love. Good luck during this last week of school.

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6)