Both Nate and I were longing so much to be married that we began fantasizing about it in our letters. I wrote an eight-page epistle describing how I hoped our married life would be — the imagined story of one evening, overnight, and the following morning. Because I wrote in vivid detail, I won’t share it here. But I loved the process of running ahead into our marriage, and I know Nate loved reading of how eager I was to be his wife.
Nate was trying to freshen up our correspondence, too. He bought a dozen postcards, wrote on all of them while he was out on field exercises, and mailed them all on the same day. They were full of joy and anticipation but also feelings of loneliness.
July 14, 1969 – Meg. This weekend without you has been very lonely – one hour without you, even if I’m with a thousand guys at Ft. Riley, is lonely. Without Meg, I’m lonely in a crowd. Love, Nate
July 15, 1969 – Dear Nate. In addition to the marriage stories I’m writing for you, today I wrote the story of our engagement for the local newspaper, to be put in the announcement section. Your mother wrote and asked for a picture of me and a copy of the short article so she could place it in your home town paper, too. She is working on the rehearsal dinner and has asked for my suggestions of a restaurant near Moody Church. And it sounds like she’s ready to finalize her guest list, pending your approval when we visit them after your graduation.
July 15, 1969 – Dear Meg. My relatives from New York, Florida, and Wheaton are visiting my folks in August. Maybe we can see them? Plus we’ll have your birthday, mine, camp, Bob’s wedding [Nate’s friend],and a plan for our wedding. Wow! What an August! Love, Nate
July 16, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’ve been all over the place today, shopping, meeting a girlfriend for lunch, running around in the Loop. One of those street photographers caught me on film, and I look like I’m on my way to a circus with my polka-dot dress. It was hot out! I saw a doctor, and we talked at length about “the pill.” It sounds controversial. He said that blood clots are the most serious threat, and about the only real doubt in most physicians’ minds The other stuff about diabetes is more myth than anything at this stage. He didn’t pressure me at all. So that’s just one more thing for us to talk about and decide.
July 16, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m looking forward to those days, after camp, after this autumn, after November 29th when I wake up with you in the morning, eat breakfast and pray with you, and plan the day with you. Being a law student, Army officer and civilian lawyer will be even better because you’re my wife.
July 17, 1969 – Dear Nate. This goodie package [cookies, photos, sentimental items] was tossed together in a flash, but I hope you enjoy it. Besides, thinking of those other guys down at Ft. Riley who might be getting goodie packages when you are NOT, just makes me feel awful. No one is going to get more packages or letters or surprises than my Nate! Love, Meg.
May 17, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Once we are married, every experience will be better with you: each tragedy mitigated, each success heightened, when you are my wife. I’ll thank the Lord eternally for a love for you and from you that will last forever. I miss you. My heart yearns for you. I know I can’t live without you.
“God has made everything appropriate in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)