October 23, 1974

Tonight, driving home in the car reminded me of this time last year and driving home after class. My tummy was huge with you, and I thought a lot about you on those long dark drives. Were you a boy or a girl, would you be healthy, big, or little. I never pictured you as the bright giggly boy sitting in his highchair smearing teething biscuit over everything but there you are and I’m so glad. Your eyes are twinkling, and you are making little jokes with me and squealing and laughing when I notice.

Tonight I gave a seminar on my research to Dr. Kennedy, Father McShane, Dr. Zeph, Father Wagoner, Mark Thon, Fan Tsemy, Dave Jackshaw, Ron Bruno, David Chen and your daddy. It went beautifully. I was prepared and wasn’t scared after I began. The questions asked were good ones and people seemed really interested in helping us out. Father Wagoner gave me a beautiful compliment, that it was ordered, easy to follow and I was on the way. Father McShane had much the same comment. Even Dr. Kennedy seemed pleased. But it wasn’t my own effort. I leaned on God for help, and He gave me more than I could have guessed and led me to speak more smoothly and make more sense. I praise Him for His great faithfulness.

Daddy had to go to class – but in between he took me out to dinner. I was so happy to get home and see you again. We took Yvonne home and then you and I played more freely than for weeks. You took a bath and now are in bed. It was a glorious day.

Daddy got a whole packet of confirmation from the geographer, Dr. Berry. He was overjoyed. It means his paper will be little trouble to write.