I met True Parents one-and-one-half years after I joined. They came to the United States in 1969 for 40 days. I remember the wonderful feeling I had when I first met them. They were so bright and spiritually beautiful. When I first met True Father, his first words were "What is your ancestry?" I was moved by his question, and I felt happy to say "Ireland." He responded by repeating "Irishee" with a big smile and twinkle in his eye. I felt that my ancestors were very happy. His second question to all of us was, "How many spiritual children do you have?" From this question I could feel his seriousness of purpose. I was happy I had already had some witnessing experiences in New York City and Berkeley, California and had come to know something of the heart of a spiritual parent.
I was present in Washington, D.C., when Father matched the first 13 American couples. From a list I helped prepare, Father sensitively and lovingly interviewed the candidates and the 13 couples, some newly-matched and some previously married, emerged. At one point I met Father in the hall, and he said "your time is next time." I felt more than relieved, since I had only been in the Church for one-and-a-half years.
When True Parents completed their work in Washington, D.C., they spent a few days in New York City, taking their meals in our small center on a bridge table. At one point they took the New York members to the top of the Empire State Building. There, looking to the future, Father shared with us his vision of rallies in Yankee Stadium, Washington D.C., and Moscow. On their departure to leave, Mother handed me a scarf and said "Work hard!" Then, while seated in their car, Father took Mother's hand and held it up, so we could see their united hands, signaling victory, visible through the back window of their car. I had a profound sense that mankind indeed had True Parents.
From Tribute, 161-62.