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.

May 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!

May 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)