Janette Oke (14 page)

Chapter Eighteen

Edward

Special meetings were held at the local church, and all the college students were expected to attend. Rev. Norman Oke, an evangelist from the United States and also an uncle of Edward's, was the speaker. Janette enjoyed his preaching thoroughly.

Edward approached Janette one day and asked if she would be interested in joining several young people who were going to his parents' home for a snack after the evening service. It sounded like fun and Janette agreed. The arrangements were made with the Dean of Women. It was not a date. Freshmen were not allowed to have dates (known as S.P.'s—Special Privileges) the first semester.

After the service the group of young people met at the door of the church for the short walk to the Oke residence. It didn't take long for Janette to discover that all the others attending the little gathering were known around campus as “couples.” Only she and Edward were unmatched. Was this a
date
, after all? She had never consented, but the only thing she could think of to do was to fall into step beside him.

By the end of the first semester she and Edward were “going steady” even though they had never been allowed an official date. However, the school had many functions and parties where the fellows and girls were allowed to mix freely, though one-on-one pairing was discouraged. In fact, campus rules were so strict that students were not even allowed to converse with a boyfriend or a girlfriend except during certain specified times of the day. Among these precious moments were the few minutes before mealtime while waiting for the last bell to ring for dinner—perhaps the faculty realized what an excellent way this was to make sure everyone arrived in plenty of time for the meal.

Janette and Edward came from quite different backgrounds. She had been raised in a large farming family that had needed to make every dollar stretch until it threatened to snap. He was raised with only one sister, Alta Mae, in a town where his father was a very successful International Harvester dealer. This meant that Edward had grown up with new clothes, piano lessons, and leisure time enough to rise through the ranks of his Boy Scout troop. He was outgoing, self-confident, and intelligent, even valedictorian for his high-school graduating class.

Edward had enjoyed many privileges that Janette had not. In fact, they had dated just a short time when she became quite strongly convinced that their relationship was not very practical and would hold too many adjustments. After carefully going over her intentions in her own mind, Janette launched into a prepared speech one day, catching Edward a bit off guard.

“When two people start dating—either they break up or they don't. For us—it can only be the one, and I think we should break up now before we get too involved instead of waiting until later.”

Edward, who listened with furrowed brow, seemed to misunderstand the intention of the entire speech and brushed it quickly aside with little comment. In later years he even managed to turn the episode around and teased her about being the one to force a proposal.

They did not break up. When dates were finally allowed they took as many of those Special Privileges as they were given, though this was only a couple each month and included almost any occasion where they might be seen together. Whether it was a school function, a walk together, a meal off campus grounds, or just a chance to watch TV at the Okes' house, each counted as an S.P. When the school term ended and they took summer employment, they kept in touch faithfully. Though they had not made their intentions public with an engagement ring, Edward had already asked Janette to marry him and she had agreed.

The following fall, Edward left Mountain View and enrolled at the University of British Columbia to study engineering. Janette returned to Mountain View for her second year. Edward was a fine student, getting top grades in most of his subjects. He also enjoyed the study courses and was quickly adjusting to life at the large university and the journey toward becoming a good engineer.

Janette returned to Bible College with wistful thoughts of her fiancé being so far away, but these days were short-lived. She soon found herself ill and miserable for a good share of the college year, even struggling to finish the first semester.

At Christmastime Edward was home and she received her engagement ring. Family and friends were not surprised at the news and were all quick to offer their congratulations. However, Janette's condition did not improve. Her local doctor advised her against returning to college, but after losing a few weeks of classes she traveled back to Didsbury and worked hard to try to catch up to the rest of her classmates. She was determined to force her aches and pains out of her mind. Her strong resolve to continue pushed her through the many difficult days ahead.

In addition to her physical difficulties, Janette had another problem. She told no one of this private dilemma, but inside she was wrestling with mixed convictions about marrying Edward. For some reason she was feeling strongly that she was to be a minister's wife. Yet whenever she prayed about her relationship with Edward, she never felt he was the wrong person for her. The paradox confused her. How could she be a minister's wife and marry Edward when he was to be an engineer?

But the God she trusted was not a God of confusion and soon worked out the solution. Edward took only one year of engineering and returned to Bible College. He had decided, without a word from Janette, that the world needed ministers more than it needed engineers, and he was prepared to give himself to serving the Lord in that way. Upon his return to Mountain View in the fall, they were fellow classmates in their senior years.

During this third year at Mountain View, Margie joined Janette. When the younger sister arrived in Didsbury along with the other freshmen, she may have appeared quiet and reserved, but she soon livened up the place as she was discovered to be the most fun-loving member in the dorm. Margie was constantly dressing up in crazy outfits, or decking herself out in some outrageous garb, and didn't seem to mind the many pictures to prove it.

Good health had returned to Janette after surgery, and a summer spent recuperating at home meant she was able to enjoy all aspects of college life—but, to her, the most important was the opportunity to grow spiritually. From classroom discussions and lesson assignments to walks uptown in the crisp winter air, from chapel hours to work detail, from Gospel Team to bedtime chats, from Days of Prayer to Special Privileges, from frustrations and concerns to shared laughter and school parties—her college life was full and precious. Each aspect of it helped her to learn and grow in her walk with her Lord and in her relationships with others.

Jack often passed through Didsbury on his way between home and the prairies. He was now working at jobs as they turned up, as well as helping Fred on the farm. It was good to have him stop by for a visit, and Janette always looked forward to seeing him.

There were many times when he asked candidly, “Do you need some money?”

What could she say? It seemed that she always did. So he would reach into his pocket and hand her a few bills. She loved him for his unselfishness, but she felt a little guilty as well. She knew he needed the money just as much as she did.

News came that Jack was to marry Ila Strand, and though Janette did not yet know her well, she was confident that Jack would choose wisely and was thrilled for him. Everyone was certain that Ila would be the perfect match for Jack, and the years have proved it to be true. She has been a warm, generous, and hospitable mate—and perfectly suited for Jack's ample sense of humor.

During this final year at Mountain View, Janette proudly wore Edward's engagement ring. She often found herself fingering the ring unconsciously, allowing excitement and anticipation to rise as plans began to take shape for their wedding and life together.

Then an unexpected event dampened some of her excitement. The students did their own laundry using a rather old-fashioned washer with a wringer. Because Margie had a problem at times with eczema on her hands, it was decided that she should keep her hands out of the hot, soapy water and that Janette, who didn't mind swishing around in the suds, would help out. But Janette didn't want her “new” ring exposed to the heat and soap. The solution was to pass Margie the ring and let her care for it while Janette finished the laundry.

On this particular day, Margie teasingly slipped the ring onto her own finger “just to see how it looked.” Janette smiled. She didn't mind letting Margie tease her about the ring. What harm could it do? But when the job had been completed, Margie reached to give the ring back to Janette. For some strange reason it didn't slip easily from her finger. At first there was no concern—but as she tugged and fidgeted with the ring it seemed to grow tighter and tighter on her finger.

The sisters soaped the finger, then tried ice to reduce the swelling, but still the ring did not budge. The more they worked with the finger, the more tightly the ring entrenched itself.

At last they admitted the inevitable. The ring intended to stay right where it was. They decided to go find Edward. He appeared on one of the college sidewalks, and by the time they discovered him, both girls were in tears. What were they going to do?

Edward tried to hush their crying and allay their fears. “It's insured,” he pointed out in typical male fashion. That was hardly the point! The ring that should be on Janette's finger was stubbornly staying on Margie's.

There seemed to be only one thing to do, and Edward took it upon himself. He helped Margie into his car and took her straight to the local jeweler. The ring was cut from her finger and sent away for repair.

The days spent without the familiar feel of the white gold finally passed, and the ring was returned to where it belonged. All through the years that Janette has worn it, it has very faintly borne the scar as a silent reminder.

Edward and Janette graduated together at the end of April in 1957. Edward left with the choir for a tour, and Janette went home to prepare for the wedding. They were to be married in the small Evangelical Free Church in Champion, which had been Janette's church while she lived with Aunt Laurine, and later during the months she worked at the bank.

Chapter Nineteen

Married

May 13, 1957, dawned to find the Steeves' household already bustling with activity. All the aunts had pitched in to help decorate the church and provide the reception in the local community hall, and, thanks to her wonderful family, the “broke” college graduate was to have a lovely wedding with no indebtedness.

Margie, Joyce, and Edward's sister, Alta Mae, looked lovely entering the church in their tea-length dresses in shades of coral, teal, and gold. Little sister Sharon followed them down the aisle with exaggerated steps while Amy looked on with pride—pride mixed with wistful feelings as she brushed tears away and turned to see her daughter-bride enter the sanctuary.

Janette's eyes were almost shyly hidden behind her cousin Vivien's veil. The wedding dress that she borrowed from sister June fell in soft folds from her slim waist, and she was truly a beautiful bride.

Though her wedding garments were borrowed, the feelings were all her own. Tingles of excitement and nerves shot through her, the quiet sense of confidence in being certain she was in God's will, and the warm assurance of looking into Edward's eyes and hearing him sing words of love and commitment and then speak his vows.

All too soon it was over. Janette was Mrs. Edward Oke and was leaving behind the crowd of family that called and waved at their newest couple. The busy aunts, the teasing uncles, the fun-loving cousins, the dear sisters, and a rather quiet set of parents were soon lost from sight as the newlyweds sped away in their car.

The honeymoon was spent in the Canadian Rockies near Banff and Lake Louise. Since it was early May, the ice and snow were still clinging tenaciously to the mountainsides and lakes. Wild animals entertained the visitors and pestered the town residents, seeming to hate the thought of leaving winter's civilization and going back up the mountains to their wild habitat. It was a relaxing time, but the couple was anxious to get back and settled in their own little place.

The first home for Edward and Janette was an extremely small one-room efficiency apartment on the upper floor of Edward's grandmother's home. Grandma Nannie Greer offered them the use of the room, complete with a small cupboard, stove and sink, closet, fold-out couch for sleeping, a couple of chairs, and a little table. The bathroom was down the hall.

Edward and Janette lived there for only four months while they worked summer jobs, Edward at a dairy and Janette at the Calgary branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. During this time they did their best to save money to go to the United States where Edward planned to further his education for the ministry.

At the end of August, Edward and Janette packed for an impending trip to Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. Edward would attend classes to get his B.A. and Janette would look for work as some means of support.

For some time Janette had been growing anxious. At last, just before the trip was to begin, Janette alerted Edward to her suspicions of a pregnancy. It had certainly not been a planned event, but the doctor agreed that Janette was correct in her conclusions—and was about six weeks along.

What was a happy expectation was also a major concern. Janette's income had been counted on in the plans for Edward's education, and a baby would complicate the situation greatly. Placing their worries into God's hands, the couple continued their preparations for the long drive to Indiana.

Edward and his father, Harold Oke, had fashioned a rough trailer for hauling their belongings. Many of their wedding gifts had to be tucked away into boxes, hauled down to Champion, and left behind in storage until the couple would return. They were grateful, too, that Dad Oke had also given them an old black Chevrolet in which they would make the eighteen-hundred-mile trip.

And they would have passengers. Fellow students from Mountain View, Cliff and Eleanor Quantz, were to travel with them. The Quantzes, also Bethel bound, added their things to the trailer until it could hold no more. The car itself was stacked with boxes, leaving little space to spare for the two young couples.

On a Tuesday morning the journey began after a disappointing late start. But eventually Champion fell behind and spirits lifted as the pavement began to race away beneath the tires. Edward was somewhat concerned about one particular tire on the trailer, which bulged awkwardly, but they were hopeful that it would hold up over the many miles ahead of them.

After two hours they reached the American border and were met by the stoic guard. Once it was discovered that the foursome was crossing the border for the purpose of an extended stay, they were “invited” inside. Janette fidgeted in her chair, grateful at least for the comfort of the sitting area. At last, an hour and a half later, they were again underway. All four of the young adults were waiting for their visas to be processed, and were allowed to enter the country with only “temporary status.” This meant that if for any reason there were difficulties with the documentation, they could be called back to their port of entry and required to leave the country should the problem not be solved. It was a frightening thought.

A long and tiring day of driving followed, punctuated by difficulty with the trailer during the evening. After spending the night in a hotel, the foursome ate breakfast in a local diner. There they noticed that the waitresses were excited and distracted. A new singer by the name of Elvis Presley was to arrive that evening and pay a visit to the town fair for about an hour. There was no debate on the part of the travelers—not one of them had an inclination to stay. After all, this young new singer was no Roy Rogers.

All was going well as they again got underway—and then came the sickening sound of a dying motor. Edward glanced at the gas gauge and admitted sheepishly that they had run out of gas. So Janette and Eleanor waited in the car while their husbands hitched a ride to the nearest town. The humor in the situation took a little effort to find, but they managed to coax it along at last.

When the old Chevy began to act up later during the day, there was no energy left to laugh. Three more hours were lost because of car trouble and two more with the time changes. With two days of traveling behind them, Edward pulled into Fargo, North Dakota, late at night and they searched for another hotel. There had been plans to camp along the way and avoid the cost of a hotel stay, but the weather was cool and rainy so they opted for the comfort of warm beds.

Thursday morning dawned all too soon, and Edward took the car to a garage as soon as it opened. Shortly after two o'clock they were able to get underway and arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota, that evening.

The trip through the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul was a difficult one. The road they selected from the map lay directly through the heart of each city, and it was difficult to follow in the dark. Tension mounted, and by the time they were emerging on the other side of the cities there was no chatter, only brooding silence.

Just as the car approached a long extension bridge straddling the Mississippi River, the sound of a bell cut the night air and a red light flashed beside them. Edward pulled to a stop, and the four watched in awe as a large portion of the bridge before them began to swing away.

Coming from the Alberta area, they had not seen a large drawbridge. After recovering from the strange sensation of watching the road before them move away, they climbed from the crowded car and stood beside the rail.

There was lighting enough to see a large freighter creep through the opening, its wake barely noticeable, but the hum of the engine cut sharply through the still night air. Though it took more time from the traveling, the chance to stretch, to escape from the crowded car, and to have the distraction of viewing the interesting event seemed to take the edge off the previous difficulties and strained emotions, and each was glad for the relief.

With Friday's arrival, more reinforcements were needed for the trailer. Hopes for arriving in Indiana on that day were left behind when they heard the clank of metal on pavement and realized it was a support piece from their own vehicle. Edward walked back along the roadway and picked it up, then stopped at the next town to have it welded back on.

Slow driving followed, and they spent Friday night in a suburb of Chicago. All efforts had been expended not to drive into Chicago itself. They had been warned to avoid the difficult streets and traffic of the large city.

Morning began with anticipation of reaching Bethel before noon, but a flat tire soon frustrated this. Not completely unexpected, the tire that had bulged before leaving Champion had simply not lasted the entire trip, and a replacement was necessary. Janette and Eleanor searched for a shady place to wait while Edward and Cliff went about repairs. It was hot—terribly hot, and the day was heavy and muggy. The Canadian ladies were familiar with neither the heat nor the humidity. In the shade of a large tree, Janette sat at a picnic table writing a carefully penned letter home—trying not to let her disappointment show at how poorly the trip was progressing.

On Saturday, after five days on the road, the tired foursome arrived in Mishawaka, Indiana, and immediately headed to Bethel College. The long trip was over.

On arrival at the campus shortly after noon, though, they found empty parking lots and buildings. They discovered that the faculty had gone on retreat to Winona Lake and, further, that there were no waiting apartments for them as they had expected. Leaving the trailer on campus, they began the tedious job of searching for accommodations, armed only with the local newspaper and a map of the city.

Rent was the first consideration. Budgets were tight and accommodations would not be fancy. They were prepared to take whatever they could find. After viewing one apartment after another, they wandered into a building owned by a local dentist, where a two-room apartment was available. It was small, but as soon as Edward walked in he muttered, “Let's take it and be done with it.”

The long day had dashed some expectations, and they were all willing to take whatever might be workable. When the owner discovered that both couples were looking for a place to live, he admitted to having a second apartment, and spirits began to brighten.

They were told that the second flat had been vacated quite recently when its tenants had been evicted. The apartment owner explained further that they had left quite a mess, but he would give them a break on rent if they would agree to clean it themselves.

They quickly decided to take both apartments and to figure out later which couple would be in each. As it turned out, the caretaker had already started to clean the second apartment, so it was not in terribly bad shape.

Relieved at finally finding some good news, Cliff and Eleanor took the second apartment for $55 a month, including utilities. Edward and Janette took the first apartment for $65, and the work of settling in began, each thankful for being able to live so close to friends.