August 9, 1980
My dearest Mandy,
This is the first day of the rest of our lives. I just got on the train to Winston-Salem with almost all my worldly possession packed in three suitcases. Waving goodbye to you standing alongside my mom and dad, my brothers and sister, and Melissa was hard. I felt so lost getting on this train because I know that I can’t just jump in my car to run over to see you. Spending this summer with you was great because I never thought that you and I could have so much fun. I think what I’m going to miss the most is going to doctor’s appointments with you to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. My mom is serious in naming the baby after grandfather, Stephen. She said that I was his favorite great-grandchild before he passed away. Because of this, she wants her first grandson named after him. I told her that we would think about it. I can’t believe that the baby will be here in the beginning of December. I hope I’m done with finals by then so I can be there with you. I’ve already spoken to my wrestling coaches about our situation, and they assured me that they would be fine with me leaving the team to be with you and the baby for about a week.
As much smack my dad talked about the Lawrence family when we started dating, he grumbled even louder when he found out we were pregnant according to Reed. But the funny thing about it was my mom showed me a Falcons jersey and a Braves jersey that dad had bought for his grandchild. You know, I’m so glad that you talked me into going with him and my brothers on that fishing trip last month. We got a chance to air out our frustrations between each other, and he and I are at a good place. As a matter of fact, he and I shared our first beer together. It was the first time in years my dad only drank one beer on a fishing trip. That’s probably because me and Reed drank the rest of the six-pack. When he told me that he was proud of me for everything that I’ve done as a man, I nearly cried. He said that he’s glad that I found a girl like you because it makes him feel like he pointed his son in the right direction.
I forgot to tell you that my assigned roommate called me yesterday before I came to pick you up for work. He said that he was a good ole’ country boy that would probably be in the room a couple times a week to rest in between classes. He’s from Winston-Salem, and he plans to spend most of his time either at home or at this girlfriend’s house. He told me to fix the room up like I want to and get a doorstop in case my girlfriend was in the room. I think I hit the jackpot with this guy as a roommate. I figured that you couldn’t come visit me until school lets out for you, but by that time, the baby would be here by then. Either way, it’ll be cool if you could come for a visit during the Thanksgiving break. I’ve got three wrestling matches that week. I hope by then; I could get to know someone that has a car so we could pick you up from the train or bus station. Either way, I can’t wait to see you again.
Anyway, I hope you loved your goodbye present. I saved for a long time to get you that necklace. My dad told me that I should get it for you because it was a perfect representation of our relationship. When I explained how much I loved you, he said I looked like a sad puppy dog. Anyhow, I’ve been writing for nearly two hours on this train ride, and my stop is coming up real soon. I told my mom that I gave you a key to my car to keep an eye on it while I was gone. Please don’t go driving it without a drivers’ license. I will teach you how to drive it as soon as I get back home. I love you, Amanda Lawrence, and I can’t wait to see you again.
Love,
Russy
Be A Man Universe 