Young Love (#36)

As summer approached, Nate and I began talking about the thrilling changes ahead, especially the when-and-where of our engagement, and a job for me downstate.

staying-with-familyAfter I visited him in Champaign during the teacher strike, he moved out of his dorm, then planned to come north to my parents’ house to spend a week with our family. Though I would have to work, we’d be together every day… and my parents would get to know him better. Nate also had high hopes he’d get to have “the talk” with Dad.

May 25, 1969 – Dear Nate. I took my Sunday school girls on a picnic today, but since it was freezing, we held it in the apartment living room. This group of 10-year-olds can tear up a place in no time! But then there’s you… the most thoughtful, considerate person I’ve ever known, and I thank the Lord every chance I get for letting me know you – and MARRY you! If you could hear all the colossal things I tell my friends about you, you’d hire me as your publicity manager.

May 26, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for your patience, faith, help, and love. And your Christian example. Thank you for your prayers. The Lord’s help will take care of us forever. What a reassuring thought! Last night I turned out the light, got into bed and was half asleep when my hand hit something under the pillow. I flipped on the light and saw your note, reading it as I ate the candy kiss. The note, with its love, thanks, and promise of freedom was the best thing I could have read on a late Sunday night.

May 28, 1969 – Dear Nate. I can’t believe you’re done with school for a while and will be walking through my apartment door soon… for 8 days! I’ve been thinking of all we can do while you’re here: dinners with friends, a faculty party with my fellow-teachers, a Sunday’s-worth of activities, double-dates with other couples, dinner and cards with Mary and Bervin, mid-week prayer meeting, time with my folks, and… ring-shopping!

rings

May 29, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I am so fortunate to have the love of Meg Johnson. I can’t wait to be with you again! Meanwhile, I continue to pack my clothes and books, and pay bills here. I love you very, very much.

May 30, 1969 – Dear Nate. When you are here for those 8 glorious days, we’ll create enough ultra-pleasant memories to get you all the way through Army camp in good shape. Something sad happened today. I got the official word that little Nancy, the Downs girl in my class, has to transfer out and attend a state placement somewhere else in the fall. It’s so sad. The worst, though, will be getting her mother to accept it. So far she’s refused to admit Nancy has any problems. I have to call her today and set up a conference for her with the principal and me. So hard. If you and I should ever have a Downs child, it would be a big adjustment. I send you all my love, Your Meg

From my journal, the evening before Nate arrived in Chicago:

happyIt’s amazing how much of my previous confusion has ironed out and become ordered thoughts. Nate and I have spent much of the month of May together, and he’s coming to Chicago for 8 gorgeous days before leaving for the Army – for 6 weeks. ALL my reservations are gone, including my nervousness over being able to leave (my old boyfriend) permanently in the past. I haven’t seen him in 2 months, and though I think of him, I no longer miss him in “that way.”

 

“Love rejoices in the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)

Young Love (#35)

one-kindergarten-classAs Chicago teachers began their historic strike, I walked the picket line with fellow faculty members but mourned over lost time with my kindergarten children. I loved teaching them and couldn’t wait to see them each day, so as I circled the school, I wondered who was caring for them. Concerning teacher contracts, for all practical purposes I had mentally made the move to downstate Illinois and already saw myself teaching elsewhere.

May 22, 1969 – Dear Nate. The teacher strike has been nothing but verbal whippings and tongue-thrashings all day. I’m sick of hearing everyone screaming without listening to the words of anyone else. I’d quit, but if we do get to go back to work, I’ll need the money. Besides, I’ll need a good recommendation from our principal. Last night Mom and Dad came to my apartment after I got home from my ed class. Mary and Bervin also came, along with Aunt Agnes and Aunt Helen. We had tea and warm rolls at 10:00 and talked till 11:00, but it didn’t work out to tell them about our plans. I did arrange to talk at their house in Wilmette tomorrow evening. I’m nervous, but am anxious to let them know.

May 22, 1969 – Dearest Meg. The head resident has praised my work with my 72 men this last year. He said he would recommend me for one of the head residencies next year, which would be good for us if I got one, since they are paid positions. But there are many others competing for very few slots.

May 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I finally met privately with Dad and told him all about our intention to get engaged this summer and marry in January… or sooner, if we could work it out, like September. The two of us talked for 4 hours, hashing out the details and getting everything above board. He asked me lots of questions. On the way back to my apartment, I felt like taking the Corvette up over 100 mph, because the bottom line is that Dad approves! He feels we might be rushing to marry in January, but with time, he’ll come around. So, the stage is set for you to talk with Dad or with Mom, too, if you want. I’m filled with joyful expectation!

May 23, 1969 – Dearest Meg. (As you can tell from the typing in this letter, I’m using a vintage typewriter, 1958.) In spite of finals, I’ve tried to write you every day, because I feel so close to you while I write. I think of you all the time and love you very much.

May 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I love you with all of me! Often I feel I’ll burst if I don’t get to see you soon! I’m so glad I will… (see you soon, not burst). I’m praying for your finals, for the calmness and presence of mind you need.

picnic-basketMay 25, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for coming to see me while the teachers continued the strike! Being with you for two days was fabulous! It was depressing when you had to leave. But the picnic at Allerton was great; Meg and barbecued chicken! I’ll see you next week – future wife, glamour girl, future mother, Christian woman – and I’ll have a talk with your father. It’s important that I talk to him first, before your mother.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Young Love (#32)

At this point, Nate and I spent much of our communication on the logistics of relocating me to Champaign, clearing the way to marry during the school year.

Details were being discussed without the benefit of input from parents, and our planned changes were beginning to stockpile. So Nate and I talked often about how best to win their approval without opposition to our timing.

dearest-megMay 16, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you. Your idea of an organized outline to your folks at your apartment during dinner is very good. After finals I can also talk with them in detail re: engagement, wedding, Army, law, and finances. I like your idea of me getting a summer job in Chicago, but with 6 weeks of Army camp, I wouldn’t be able to start until too late. I do realize that if you teach in Champaign in the fall, this summer will be your last time living near home. Such thoughts are very considerate of your parents and very much like you, sweet Meg.

May 16, 1969 – Dear Nate. Do you remember little JoAnn, one of my kindergarteners? For show and tell today, she brought her “plastic church beads.” She explained well to the class: “Here’s how they work,” she said. “You count them like this, 1… 2… 3… 4… You count them in the back row at church, but you have to whisper or you’ll mix up all the other people on their numbers.” Aren’t kids wonderful?

May 16, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I pray for us every day and feel sure the Lord is guiding both of us in honest love. As our relationship is maturing, I feel certain Christ is at the center of our two lives.

After Nate’s day-long visit to Chicago/Wilmette:

May 18, 1969 – Dearest Meg. My day with you yesterday was the greatest yet! Your wholesomeness and purity and faith in Christ stir me to act and think in the highest ways to be worthy of you. We have become committed to each other, and the practical matters are working out for themselves. All things are possible, because of our faith.

lots-of-loveMay 18, 1969 – Dear Nate. Our day together was really lots of fun. Wow! Life with you will be joyful! And my parents were glad to see us. I’m worrying about Dad coming around to our new plans. I don’t think there will be any friction, because he’s sensible and will ask any questions he has. But I hope to talk with him this week. I’ll put the pressure on for him or both of them to stop at my apartment soon.

May 18, 1969 – Dearest Meg. You know, I always feel at ease when I’m with your parents. I like them very much and respect them for the life they lead. I really admire your father for living in Christian responsibility with strength and courage in this business world. In one of my prayers I’m asking God for that kind of strength and sensitivity. It’s easy to see how your parents raised such a fine daughter as Meg. I love you!

zooMay 18, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m still loving the memory of our day together. It was cool that we got to enjoy the zoo and conservatory without the noise and rush of crowds. It was quiet peace to be with each other. And then at the picnic, we got to chat with 2 pastors and several of my friends as they met you. And they approved! I was so proud. And then we got to have that meaningful prayer time together, renewing our commitment to Christ. I felt so open and honest with the Lord as we both talked to Him.

“Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.” (Psalm 37:37)