I continued to attend family get-togethers and church functions in Chicago as a single girl without her partner, repeatedly explaining where Nate was and why he wasn’t with me. But I took heart in knowing that soon I’d be able to stop explaining and start introducing!
Although there was still the possibility that Nate would have to go to Vietnam, it seemed unlikely, and we never talked about it. But with Nate in a military environment learning how to wage war, I’m sure it was on his mind.
July 18, 1969 – Dearest Meg, future Wife. Last night before I went to sleep, I thought of how secure I was in your love. I could go directly to Vietnam from here for a year and never doubt you lovingly awaiting my return. That you love me makes me the most fortunate man in the world. And I never tire of looking at your beauty and telling you of it. You are an enchanting woman.
July 18, 1969 – Dear Nate. Thank you for the wonderful letter I received today. It’s so encouraging to hear you say so many nice things about me. I love you for giving me a lot more credit than I deserve! Thank you so much.
July 19, 1969 – Dearest Fiancée. I wish I could describe in words my feelings – after a hot, dusty day in the field, coming back to a letter from you. If I could describe that, I would be a Tolstoy. I just shaved “out of my helmet” which is better done in the evening while there’s still daylight. We rise so early each morning, it’s still dark out – hard to see what I’m doing!
July 19, 1969 – Dear, DEAR Nate. My parents keep mentioning your letter and how pleased they were with it. They are already thinking of you as part of our family. I attended a church function last night, and they were there, too. Dad mentioned how glad he was about our wedding, and he’s far more enthusiastic than I’d ever hoped! Mom, too, is really excited.
July 19, 1969 – Dearest Meg, my Love. You are the best thing in my life. You come before law, the Army, and everything else. And together we will worship the Lord. I love to pray. I especially love our prayer times together, asking for guidance, power, and strength. I thank Him many times a day for you and for our love. I believe He is blessing us in this separation. He’s making us love each other more and more and more. (But I do wish you were here in this pup tent with me!)
July 19, 1969 – Dear Nate. You remember my friend Connie. Tonight she threw a big party for her folks’ 25th wedding anniversary after working very hard on it. There was dinner and then a mock wedding, and Connie was the bride, wearing her mother’s bridal gown. I sang a duet with another friend. We hammed it up on “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life.” People laughed at all the right places. Pastor Sweeting came up afterwards and said, “You should sing for us on Sunday evening in the main auditorium. How about 8:45 pm?” Of course the auditorium is empty by 8:30. As he turned to go, he said, “I’m anxious to tie that knot!” Me too!
July 19, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I just got a letter from my brother, who said he got a leave to be at our wedding on 29 November. So he will definitely be my best man. By the way, I don’t think you should take the pill when we’re married. If there is even one chance in a trillion that it would injure you, I would never want you to use it. I love you!
July 19, 1969 – Dear Nate. Everybody here is anxious to meet you, all the people at the church. You’ll be going through a lot of introductions, I’m afraid. But you’re so good at a friendly hand-shake, I hope it won’t be too painful for you. I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to “show you off!” (That’s a compliment, in case it didn’t sound like one.) I’m especially glad I won’t have to say, “I wish you were here” much longer… because you will be! Yipeeeee!
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)