Although Nate and I were both set on marrying in January of 1970 rather than waiting till the summer, our 4 parents knew nothing of our plans. They hadn’t even met each other. We knew they’d object to our timing, so putting off the conversation was the path of least resistance, and we went with that.

Mary and Bervin had dated for two years, both local to Chicago, and our parents knew Bervin well by the time he gave Mary a ring. Their engagement lasted a full year, and with that timing they had set a family precedent we weren’t planning to follow.

But first-off was to introduce Nate to my friends at a church-sponsored gathering, coupled with additional time spent with my folks. It was important that everybody get to know him better.

May 13, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I love you and am praying for the answer to the “when” of our marriage. I see many advantages of a January wedding, though it means a short wedding trip. I think of you so often it’s as though we were living together every minute. You are the perfect wife for me. I will make many sacrifices for you and will work very hard. I love you and want to please you.

May 14, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you so very much for the fabulous phone call this afternoon. I love to talk with you and can’t wait till Saturday. I’ll study harder all week knowing it’s coming. I love the idea of you, the picnic, meeting Pastor Sweeting, and private prayer time with you. I pray every night for us, for our decisions and our relationship, asking each time that we follow His plan for us and surrender our lives to His will. I’m thinking of how beautiful you were the last time you came to Champaign, sitting in the sun as it came through the opaque windows. That suntanned face. Our walk down the path to the car. The ride to town, and church the next morning. Ah, I want a lifetime and an eternity of that!

May 14, 1969 – Dear Nate. I’m very excited about you coming on Saturday! Please ask permission to be released from overnight dorm duty to stay with my folks one night, ok? I would love that more than anything. We could get so much more out of your visit if you didn’t have to leave on the 9 PM train. I promise to let you study some.

May 14, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Your calls are great. Hearing your voice is fabulous. We just must get married in January, engaged in July, and choose your ring in June! We’ll never be apart again! Thanks for the Teaberry gum, but I would rather smell Teaberry on your breath in a kiss.

May 14, 1969 – Today my team teacher was in a very low mood, and usually if we talk things over, she feels much better. But she didn’t feel like sharing with me this time. Both of us had a miserable day because of it, and I still feel bad about not being able to help her. We usually have so much fun together. Coming home tonight to 2 wonderful letters from fabulous Nate was a beautiful top-off to a difficult day. Thank you! I love you.

July 15, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m glad you like my letters. They are manifestations of my love for you. The greatest thing about me is loving you. I will always love you and be faithful to you. I have waited a long time and would never do anything to spoil it. I’m looking forward to the weekend but won’t be able to stay overnight. This pre-finals study time is precious, and Saturday is all I can spare. If the Chicago teachers do strike next week, please come down here to be with me in my time of trial (finals!).

July 15, 1969 – Dear Future Husband. Saturday morning’s train can’t come soon enough for me! When my day involves you, it is complete. When I’m not near you, I’m frustrated.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)