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50. Out of the Mouths of Babes

Throughout their married life, Alphy and Margurita remained devoted to each other and committed to their children. Together they had faced the hardships of the Great Depression and the war years.* These hardships had only strengthened their relationship and brought the couple closer together. At the very core of this relationship was their faith in God. Alphy and Margurita drew courage from their faith, and taught their children to trust in God.

Sometimes the family would spend quality time together, chatting at the dinner table during the meal, or after the family had eaten. During these times, the focus of the conversation was often on God, and how the Creator was ever present to help us in our daily

tribulation.

On one particular day the children were listening attentively. Joan, who was four years old at the time, had been listening without saying a word. Alphy reminded the children of God’s guidance and presence. He commented, “He is always with us; He is everywhere.”

There was a brief pause in the conversation. Joan was staring ahead intently, her gaze fixed on a jug on the table. Then she broke the silence and commented, “He is everywhere, even in the jug of

molasses.”

At her response, the solemn moment had been broken, as the family laughed together.

Joan still had a serious expression on her face. She didn’t think her comment was that funny.

* During the war years Alphy had not been recruited, as the single men without families had been sent to war first. But the possibility of being drafted was a harsh reality during the war years, from 1939-1945.

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