Nate and I met in 1966 during our senior years at different colleges. Though we were together only infrequently and usually with others, a friendship quickly developed.

But 1967 saw both of us graduate and move to new pursuits, Nate into law school and me into teaching kindergarten – 156 miles apart. No commitments had been made, but we continued our relationship through letters. Nate, however, began hoping for something more than friendship, and I began dating someone else.

Excerpts from Nate’s 1967 letters:

June 8, 1967 — It would be redundant half a million times to tell you that I’ll miss you this summer. You ought to know it, every time I look in your eyes.                                           Your friend, Nate 

June 27, 1967 — You write very nice letters, and it pleases me to get them.  

Sept. 18, 1967 — As autumn and law school begin, I think of last year – of you, Bob and Kate – and the memorable times we had together, especially, though, of you. We ought to remain good friends, writing each other occasionally, and if my law studies permit, and if you want, visiting.  

Oct. 24, 1967 — You’re good to write me. I miss you. And I wish I could hug you right now. I remember winter and spring quarters as some of the best times of my life. Margaret Johnson, you are quite a woman.  

Nov. 1, 1967 —  I want to see you very much but this law doesn’t let up enough to give me a free weekend. At semester break my finals will be over and then I can come to Wilmette to see Meg without any old law books to worry about. Thank you for Proverbs 13:4. I hope to be “the diligent” who “shall be made fat.” 

Nov. 8, 1967 — I always want to be a friend of yours, and often think that you are more than a friend to me. I hesitate to say I “love” you, but wish to indicate very strong feelings for you. As we said last June, the only policy is for both of us to be free to go out with others. 

Dec. 29, 1967 — We must learn, as W. Churchill once said, to make virtues of necessities. Being away has hardly changed my feelings for you. To be candid, Meg, law students take their board contracts at Illinois with an undergraduate women’s dining service. Every day I eat with and talk with many co-eds. I have seen few who compare to you in the ways of dress and taste and beauty. And have met only one or two who possibly have your sincerity of faith. In essence, they lack what you have. This is honesty with you; and I expect it to be reciprocated. I don’t judge you at all, nor am I hostile or angry about your seeing [the other boy]. He is a fine fellow. And I never expected you to sit alone while I was in law school. The only thing that ruffled my feelings a little was that you didn’t tell me you were seeing him at first. Frankly, Meg, I consider my relationship with you very special. I know that “man proposes and God disposes;” however, I feel our relationship will become much closer.

And by the end of that year, his signature “Your friend, Nate” had morphed into “Love, Nate.”

(…more to come)

“Love is patient.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)