Both Nate and I continued our letter-writing, often two or three a day, in an effort to keep the relationship current and growing despite the miles between us. I hadn’t yet told Nate I loved him, because I wasn’t sure I did. I also knew that once I said/wrote it, there would be no holding him back. He’d be at my door with a ring. As it was, each of his letters contained multiple “I love you’s” – one had 8 of them.

Although his frame of mind was upbeat in every letter, my moods were all over the place, like a flapping flag on a windy day. But his confidence about our future together seemed to be enough to sustain us both. When I became disheartened, he remained positive, always sending encouragement through his written words.

Mar. 12, 1969 – Dear Meg. If you are discouraged, Mary and Bervin are excellent people for you to talk to. You ought to consider their opinions and consult them often. They can guide and comfort. Sisters who are close in age, education, faith matters, etc. have much to offer each other.

Mar. 12, 1969 – Dear Nate. If it wasn’t for your persistence in developing our relationship, where would we be? Probably a thing of the past. If things ever do work out for us, my happiness will actually be the result of your steady attitude. I do think that meeting your parents, going to your home, and understanding more of your life will be helpful influences on me.

Mar. 13, 1969 – Dear Meg. This afternoon I have ROTC drill at 4:00. I am First Sergeant, which means I call the company into formation, receive roll call, report it to the commander, and dismiss the four platoons. Some time we’ll have a talk about the Army, and I can explain some Army words (the nice ones, that is). I’m sorry you can’t come this weekend. I’ll bury myself in law books to forget…. But I’ll be sad anyway. I want to be with you as much as possible.

Mar. 13, 1969 – Dear Nate. Did I ever tell you that I like it when you call me “Meg?” Creativity runs through your life and personality.

Mar. 13, 1969 – Dear Meg. I miss you every hour, but this weekend as the pace of events slows, I’ll miss you more than ever. This fortnight without you is a torture. I love you. Love, Nate.

Mar. 14, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m going to mention my old boyfriend again now – only because I don’t want you to worry about that situation. I want you to be aware of what’s going through my mind. He called and wanted to go out tonight for Chinese food and to play pool. But I’m not going. I think he’s getting bored with his new girlfriend and feels like he and I can get back together. I’m aware of the danger of that and don’t want to be more than “occasional friends.” We may go out some, but I think I could take it or leave it. I won’t ever go back to him as his girlfriend.

Mar. 15, 1969 – Dear Meg. You are certainly free to go out with him and any others. Thank you for your honesty. My parents will be here to meet you and eat with us Saturday at noon. I love you and love to hear that sweet voice over the phone. After that I can’t do anything but think of you for hours.

Mar. 15, 1969 – Dear Nate. I may be confused, but I’m happy. Because of God, I can rest in knowing He will guide me in my decision about marriage. I can thank Him in advance for making the right choice and also for taking care of your heart, and mine. We are lucky to belong together to Him.

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” (Ephesians 4:1-2)