As Nate and I continued writing, I decided it would be helpful to visit him in Champaign where he was in law school, hoping to get a better understanding of whether or not to pursue the relationship. A good friend from Chicago had to drive down there to pick up her college brother, so I hitched a ride.

With Nate’s busy schedule, I decided not to warn him I was coming. It was a Thursday. When we got to Champaign and I called him, he couldn’t believe I was nearby. Immediately he dropped what he was doing and we met up, talking for 3 hours before my ride headed back north. According to the letters, it was a productive conversation. A week later, he came to see me in Chicago over his semester break.

From my journal:

Nate came! …directly to my morning kindergarten, and when the kids left, we went out to lunch. He seemed neater than I’d hoped, and I’m attracted to him more than I thought. A week ago, as we were planning this weekend, I told him I wouldn’t be available on Sunday. That’s because I didn’t want to cancel my plans with (the church guy), because he and I were making good progress. Nate didn’t seem offended, though I’m sure he would rather have stayed. But we did spend almost 50 hours together.

Jan. 27, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m glad you wanted to visit my kindergartens. I found your “memo” this afternoon. I’m thankful we could be honest with each other over the weekend. Let me express sincere appreciation for your patience with me and my problems. I really mean it. When I mentioned my continuing interest in another boy, you seemed to understand. Not only that, but you accepted it! If the situation had been reversed, I would have walked out on the spot.

Jan. 28, 1969 – Dear Nate. Once again I’m writing from the kindergarten classroom, but this time they’re “reading” library books (upside-down and backwards). The hours of deep discussion you and I have had have been extremely meaningful. I pray I’m doing everything in my power to handle this situation properly. Whoever ends up marrying you will be in for a lot of fantastic years. I’ll be looking forward to your next letter and maybe another visit. I hope I’ll get the letter, since I haven’t put my name on the mailbox yet.

Feb. 1, 1969 – Dear Meg. I love you. Time in Chicago is fabulous because of you. Prayer leads us to Christ and He guides our relationship. Let’s remember that. And take good care of yourself. Wear seat belts. Get enough rest. I think of you often. Sometimes I look at the clock and think, what is she doing now?

Feb. 3, 1969 – Dear Nate. Your words to me on the telephone tonight were meaningful. I’m such a fickle person, and I feel sorry for you being on your end of my confusing conversations. Maybe it’s positive that I’m just confused and nothing worse.

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)