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happened. Try as they might, they could not revive Joan. By now, the other children knew this was serious because Margurita was crying, and Alphy was as white as a ghost.

Joan was rushed to the Western Hospital, where she stayed in a state of unconsciousness for several hours. Margurita stayed by her side, praying constantly. The doctor had told Alphy and Margurita that Joan may not “come out of it,” and cautioned the couple not to have high expectations as the accident could have caused brain damage. Margurita and Alphy prayed throughout the night.

Joan’s older sisters had bought a toy bunny, made of terry cloth, and had placed it in the hospital room, next to Joan’s bed. Margurita kept vigil by Joan’s bed all night. Finally in the wee hours of the morning, Joan opened her eyes. Margurita breathed a sigh of relief, and hugged Joan. She thanked God for having revived Joan.

The first thing that Joan noticed, when she had opened her eyes, was the bunny made from terry cloth. She reached for it. Joan grew very fond of that toy, and kept it as a keepsake to this very day.

To the doctor’s amazement, Joan made a full recovery — there was no brain damage. Margurita and Alphy’s prayers had been answered. God had heard their prayers and had restored Joan to full health.

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