Young Love (#36)

Posted on by

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)

Posted on by

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 (#34)

Posted on by

Chicago teachers, tired of overcrowded classrooms and not enough pay, contemplated a strike on May 22 – first one ever. With 19,000 teachers involved, I had no idea what the ramifications would be, but knew I couldn’t cross a picket line to teach (which is what I felt like doing). I also knew I wouldn’t be paid for any strike days… a big loss, since I had moving and marriage on my mind.

on-strikeMay 20, 1969 – Dear Nate. The teachers in Chicago can’t seem to settle on a contract. They’re not even close. We’re scheduled to go on strike this Thursday if there’s no eleventh-hour settlement. I have bad news about teaching in your area in the fall, too. My applications won’t be considered without state certifi- cation credentials accompanying my request for a job. Apparently there’s no such thing as a provisional certificate down there, like there has been here. But I’m not going to let it get me down.

May 20, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Next up on my finals is Administrative Law, Wednesday at 1:00, for 4 hours. Wish me luck. Studying for finals goes well except when I am pleasantly distracted with thoughts of the beautiful soul and body of Meg, my betrothed. I love her so much and console myself that in one short busy week, I will be in her arms again. I love you.

May 21, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m going to keep working on getting my transcripts together and getting evaluated at the Board of Ed. My friend says I’ll have to take the state Constitution test, too. There seem to be so many snags! Well, one step at a time. The joy of being married to you wipes out all the negatives.

May 21, 1969 – Dearest Meg. A quick note on an exam day….  I love you! The teaching deal will work out. Just keep sending in your records. We can try some small towns around here if the university school districts give us a complete turn-down. Thank you for your call late last night. You voice gave me the strength to keep studying until late.

May 21, 1960 – Dear Nate. I about jumped out of my chair with excitement when I read the letter that started with, “To my future wife.” The Lord is letting us be so lucky! I do love Him. (Not just for that, of course.) Talking with you on the telephone tonight was as close to being together as we can get, and it was very meaningful, even after we hung up. Even then, you are closer in conversation and thought. I love you!

just-dottyMay 21, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I think of you constantly, miss you terribly, and, frankly, love you insanely. After spending time with you, I almost worship the ground you walk on. When you are home with me each evening, I know I’ll study law more eagerly. In fact, I expect my successes to abound in all fields when I am comforted by you as my wife. You are such a fabulous asset: a wholesome, creative, beautiful, Christian woman. I love you!

May 21, 1969 – Dear Nate. Remember the youth pastor you met at the picnic last weekend? I saw him at church tonight and he commented again how “sharp” he thought you were. He asked if we were “serious.” I smiled with lights in my eyes and said, “Just about.” I want to bring all this on gradually to people, mostly to give my parents time to absorb it before everyone else knows.

May 22, 1969 – Dearest Meg, my Future Wife. I spent the morning writing notes for the Constitutional Law final; it’s going fine. The exam yesterday was fair and comprehensive. I’m sure I did reasonably well. Let me know about the strike. Don’t worry. The Lord is helping us. I thank Him every day for His guidance. When I think of the married life we will lead because of Him, I become so excited I can’t think of anything else for quite a while.

“Where two… are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20)