As Nate’s summer camp neared its conclusion, he was eager to become a civilian again. But he’d been moved by the loneliness among the troops (sometimes his own), whether they were there voluntarily or not. His Army friends missed their families and homes, and Nate promised himself that after he was back “on the outside,” he wouldn’t forget them.
In Chicago, I bought an overnight bus ticket to Manhattan, Kansas, thrilled to be reuniting with my true love at last. On July 25, after graduation festivities at Ft. Riley, we planned to drive the 8 hours to his parents’ home in western Illinois for the weekend. His brother, also in the service, was stationed in Delaware, so he wouldn’t be with us. But I could get better acquainted with his folks, and the four of us could talk wedding details.
July 20, 1969 – Dear Nathan (more from his mother). We are expecting you and Margaret to arrive here on Friday, July 25, about nine o’clock. We’ve written to all the relatives, telling them the news of your engagement. We plan to have it announced in the newspaper before you get here.
July 20, 1969 – Dear Nate. Did you get my goodie package? Have you eaten all the cookies yet? That was a double batch, by the way. I hope your cadet-mates gave you a little assistance. I’m so glad when you tell me you’ve shared what I’ve sent. I think of the guys who don’t get many letters and stuff, and they need encouragement and goodies, too.
July 20, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Your goodie package was outstanding! Thank you from me and the men of Co. B, 2nd Bn, 3rd Plt, for the cookies, gum, and chocolates. We all look forward to the “Nyman call” every day. Thanks, honey, you’re so fabulous and understanding! And when you wrote a while ago that “nobody is going to get more mail than my Nate,” I got so excited I wanted to shower you with love and provide you with whatever you wanted. I want to please you!
July 21, 1969 – Dear Nate. I just went to check the mail. Darn – no mail today because of the holiday about putting men on the moon. But it was pretty fantastic. I can’t believe our separation will be done in only 4 more days! And I hope never to be away from you for that long again!
J
uly 21, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’ve been thinking about friends we know who are also in the military. We’ll send letters and packages to Ron, Ken and others to keep their morale up. When I’m out of the service, I want to join the American Legion and support service clubs. People ought to remember servicemen. Meg and Nate will. We’ll snow our friends in the service with photos of our 4 papooses named after Army posts!
July 21, 1969 – Dear Nate. I just finished drawing up a complete guest list for the rehearsal dinner, which your parents are waiting for, and I’m afraid to submit it to them. Man oh man, it’s big – 58 people! I haven’t talked it over with Mom yet, though, so I may be doing it wrong. And if that’s too many, we can sit down together and eliminate a few. I’ll bring the list with me when I come. Somehow it’ll all work out, so don’t worry.
July 21, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Last night I re-read the note you included with your last goodie package. It so moved me that I got down on my knees and thanked the Lord for you. Love to you forever and ever – for eternity!
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)