In early 1964, Charlie wrote in his diary, "I would definitely like to develop an interest in electronics. . . ." He used the word "definitely" frequently in his notebooks and diary, yet he seldom displayed definitiveness. Perhaps Kathy's academic success and her timely graduation inspired his renewed drive towards finishing his degree program as early as possible. Or he may have interpreted her success in teaching as a blow to his ego. She provided most of the income and all of the health care coverage in their household.
1
Regardless, he took moderate to heavy course loads for the remaining semesters of his academic career.
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Charlie indicated to Frank Greenshaw, a friend and fellow student, that he planned to graduate in May of 1967 and then enroll in law school. Another close friend, a very bright engineering student named Lawrence "Larry" Fuess, believed that Charlie was interested in becoming an attorney with an engineering degree. Charlie, according to Fuess, struggled in engineering mostly because he was not a very good math student. "That will kill you in engineering," Fuess said.
2
Curiously, Charlie's life and educational experiences may have prepared him for a scientific or artistic career, but not for success in law school. Charlie's ambitions concerned money. In the combination of engineering and law, he saw a route to wealth.
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While her success may have intimidated him, Kathy, nonetheless, was a source of pride for Charlie. He saw her as an asset. Smart, accomplished, and beautiful, he made sure to introduce her to his teachers at UT and to friends in Florida. He kept a card in his wallet of her measurements and clothes sizes: "My Girl,
Kathleen Whitman
, wears. . . ." The card listed a size 7 shoe, a 7-1/4 hat, a size 10 dress, 34C bra and fifteen other sizes of various accessories. The card also recorded her birthday and their wedding anniversary.
3
He seemed happy and in love. Both Fuess and Greenshaw observed that he wanted only the best for himself and Kathy.
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People used the word "nice"
ad nauseam
to describe Charlie. But for Charlie,
pretending
to be nice proved easier than actually
being
nice. He developed a benevolent facade to hide his inner turmoil. Patience and kindness did not come naturally. Even with Kathy, the only person he genuinely loved, he found it necessary to make strenuous efforts to improve his attitude. During the summer he worked as a NASA assistant, he and Kathy had a fight serious enough to give
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