Young Love (#53)

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Margaret

At last we were all agreed on November 29 as Nate’s and my wedding date – some more enthusiastically than others, but agreed. Planning shifted into high gear as Mom and I put our heads together over the details. But she wouldn’t go with me to look at china and silverware patterns. “That should be Nate,” she said. I know it bothered her that he was an absentee groom.

Both Mom and Dad frequently mentioned his absence during these important days, and it frustrated me, too. But leave it to Nate. As always, he knew just what to do. He wrote a powerful letter (quoted below) dated July 9, arriving in my parents’ mail on July 11:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,

Writing you at this time is both easy and difficult. It is easy because I have known you for two years and feel very much at home when I am with you, and because I am writing of Margaret, who we love. Yet it is difficult to discuss engagement in a letter. I want to talk personally with you before she and I go to camp.

Many times people ask an engaged couple how they know they are in love. My answer comes from a guide the Lord has given us in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 13 He has set out through Paul the characteristics of love by which I examine myself. Love is patient, kind, hopeful and enduring; most of all it is forgiving. Love for Margaret is a spiritual gift with which the Lord has blessed me. Her virtues fill my eyes; I see past her few faults. And she has shown me so many times that my love is reciprocated. I know it is.

I am fortunate to have a fiancée with her virtues. Her faith with witness, prayer, Bible study and obedience to God are reassuring. Margaret’s humor, energy, beauty, education, intelligence, charm, creativity and love of children make me realize what a wonderful Christian woman she is. Her letters and visits during this Army camp prove to me her spiritual quality and goodness. Each minute of the day, but especially when we pray together, I want to share my life with her. Having accepted Christ in our hearts as ultimate, Margaret and I will have a marriage unified in Him. If Margaret’s parents were less understanding, I would worry about my absence at this time. However, she has written of your complete acceptance of my Army situation and our decision. I am thrilled and happy that the Lord has given us understanding parents.

With love and warmest regard,

Nate

Mom’s heart was won in the first paragraph when Nate wrote “of Margaret, who we love.” Something about that shared love bonded her to Nate in a way that “stuck” through all the years that followed. And Dad’s respect for this young man took a significant leap on that day.

“All that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” (Romans 8:28, TLB)

Young Love (#52)

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Margaret

After Nate’s and my engagement weekend, well wishes began to come to us (like Mary’s note, right). It was frustrating to be going through those happy days without Nate next to me, but if we wanted to get married in November, this was our only choice. I forwarded every note or congratulatory card I received, and Nate did the same for me.

Aunt Joyce from California, my wise mentor, sent a loving letter and a gift: “Dear Margee. We want you to know how happy and thrilled we all are for you and Nate, and we know you have given prayerful consideration to your decision before the Lord. We’re anxious to meet him and already love him, because you do!” Her letter was accompanied by the red and white checked Betty Crocker cook book I still use 47 years later.

Meanwhile, Nate’s and my letters continued to fly back and forth.

July 7, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for your honesty in our discussion over the weekend about your old boyfriend. I am happy to the highest degree that you now realize the danger of being with him, whether to play tennis, eat a meal, or go to a movie. And I’m thrilled that you think of him less and less. I know it was hard for you to bring this up again and talk honestly about it. I love you more for doing it. And I completely trust you. I will love you forever!

July 7, 1969 – Dear Nate. To my wonderful fiancé! Mary and Bervin are really excited that we are engaged. When I showed them my ring, Mary ran for her camera and took a bunch of close up pictures. Bervin told me he was thrilled you asked him to stand up for you in the wedding. Tommy was really surprised that his sister had gotten engaged, and when he saw the ring, he spit out his cookie. And Aunt Agnes? Well, she begged to try it on, so I let her. Everyone wishes you were with me so they could congratulate you too…. and so do I!

July 7, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m looking forward to our time together at the Moody camp, sharing experiences. And I also want to talk deeply with your parents at some point. I know it seems wrong to them that I’m not there with you now. Do you think I ought to write them a letter? I would really love to.

July 8, 1969 – Dear Nate. If you follow through on a letter to my parents, it would help them better understand your required absence during these days. And they would love you more easily after that. Mom is coming around nicely, getting more enthusiastic. When I told her we were talking about names for our children, that helped. She has always loved kids, the more the better.

July 8, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Time is flying by. Due to torrential rains this morning, no PT test today. Free time in the PX cafeteria instead. This Saturday we have Vietnamese orientation until 8 PM. The next two weeks we’ll be mainly in the field on war games and tactical exercises. And soon it’ll be 25 July and graduation when I’ll be with you again. I’m going to work on that letter to your parents as soon as I get the chance.

July 8, 1969 – Dear Nate. I have an appointment to see wedding gowns at Marshall Fields in a few days. I’m going to have to work fast to get everything done by November. And that means choosing invitations, thank you notes, china, silverware, and linens without you at my side. I’ll just have to hope your tastes are similar to mine.

July 8, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Let’s engrave our initials and the wedding date inside our wedding bands: MAJ to WNN – 11-29-69, and WNN to MAJ – 11-29-69. Then we can each add a special verse or can use the same one. We’ll talk about this when you come. How about Matthew 19:6? “They are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

“My God will supply every need of yours.” (Philippians 4:19)

Young Love (#51)

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Margaret

After a perfect proposal in a Kansas Holiday Inn room, Nate and I enjoyed 3 glorious days together dreaming of our bright future. But on July 6th, we said emotional goodbyes and went back to living 575 miles apart. It wasn’t easy, but Nate had only 3 more weeks of Army camp before graduation. After that we would be together every day. At least that was the plan.

The next hurdle was telling my parents we’d gotten engaged.

July 6, 1969 – To my friend, future husband, and future lover. Saying goodbye to you about an hour ago was just a temporary halt to our pleasure in being together. The last 3 days have been so meaningful that all I’m feeling is gratitude to the Lord for abundant grace in His dealing with both of us, seeing to it that every detail is being provided for as we make progress together. The thought of being your wife brings me great pleasure! I love you! (Smack-a-roo!)

July 6, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you! I feel so secure in your love and in my faith in Jesus Christ. This week, Tuesday through Saturday, I’ll be out on bivouac again. But I know these next weeks will sail by! And I hope you will be able to come to Ft. Riley for my graduation from this ROTC camp – July 25.

July 6, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m going to pray for you often as you go on bivouac, and there will be lots of letters and wedding details sent your way while you’re in the field. When things get hard, just think about our wedding. You are unlike any man I’ve ever met. You’re more understanding of me than anyone else, including my own parents. I’m going to do my best to understand you the same wonderful way.

July 6, 1969 – Dearest Meg. What do you think about “1 Corinthians 13” being engraved inside our wedding rings? When I got back to the fort I read through it again, all about love. That kind of love is what I have for you and what Christ has for us and for all humanity.

July 6, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m about to get on the train headed away from Topeka toward Chicago. I’ll be staring at my ring the whole way! It’s so beautiful! I’m very glad we called your folks tonight before we parted. I hope they are pleased that we thought of them and decided to call. I should say YOU thought of them. You always know the right and best thing to do. As for my parents, don’t worry. It’s best to show them as well as tell them. I’m sure, now that you gave me a ring, things will run on a smooth course. Besides, the Lord is on our side.

July 7, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m remembering your love of music and the sound of your singing, and both thrill me – beautiful and sexy. I love you! And I’m so glad to be formally engaged to you. Ecstatically happy! Every night I pray for us. Sometimes I ask myself, how can one woman be so beautiful?

July 7, 1969 – Dear Nate. I did it! I went home and made our announcement to Mom, Dad, Aunt Agnes, Mary, Bervin, and Tommy. I was a little nervous about Dad and didn’t want to shock him. But my main concern was Mom. I showed Dad first, and I could see on his face he was going to be ok. He looked closely at my ring and said, “Your Ma didn’t do as well in the diamond department. I paid $145 for her engagement ring. Nate is a very generous person!” Of course Mom’s ring was bought in 1940! As for Mom, when I showed her, she threw her arms around me and congratulated me. I was so glad! At last their feelings are catching up to ours. Yippee!