John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA

Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899

T-11 hr 7 min

July 15, 1969

Dear Babs, Nan & Beth,

On the eve on what has been a day long in coming I thought I would try to express some of my thoughts—thoughts that I never have been able to put together before. I am in my office and the only noise I hear is the air conditioner. Out the window I can see the "bird" all shining white. It is so quiet that it's hard to believe what is going on.

I feel very proud to be a member of the launch team but I feel that it's about time I tried to say how much I love the three of you. You have been so very understanding when I come home all out of sorts. A lot of things have happened since we started this. Nan, you and Beth have both been born. Babs, you and I lost Mima & Granddaddy and Mama B has also gone.

I feel kind of silly writing a letter like this buy my emotions are so charged up I need a relief valve. It seems I can always talk to you all and some of the pressure of trying to work without a mistake seems to be relieved.

I can only remember about three or four times being emotionally charged like this. The first was the night in August 1957 when you Babs agreed to marry me. The other two are when Beth and Nan were born and I found out that I am the father of two very pretty girls.

I find I'm not the only one who is anxious for tomorrow to come—Mr. Preston just came in and said he couldn't sleep either. I hope you all get a good view of the launch. The only thing I can think of that would make it just perfect is for all four of us to see it together.

I guess after Sunday night our country will be either very very proud or very sad depending on what happens. I know that I will be able to try to keep my mind on something else so that I will be easier to live with.

Nan and Beth, you have both been just such sweet girls especially when I get short with you. Even though you don't realize it I love you more and more each day.

Babs I can even express my love for you mathematically so you still can't understand it so I will will just say it increases without limit.

Love to all three of you from your husband and father.

S