PART SIX, "REMINISCENT REFLECTIONS," An Adventure of Faith
By Robert Ginther
Telegram!
One day, Oswald and I came home to have Esther hand me a telegram from Sioux Falls. I asked to be excused and quickly went into my room to be alone as I prayerfully opened it. Here was the message, OUR BABY BOY CAME AUG. 10, 3 0'CLOCK WEIGHS 9 LBS. DARK HAIR BLUE EYES FEELING SWELL YOUR DARLING WIFE 8:45 AM. I rushed out to disclose the news to my friends, the Hansons, they congratulated me and rejoiced with me. I had not revealed this secret to them until now and pious Christians that they are, they had not been the least bit inquisitive although they felt that something was up. Well, I was in a state of ecstasy these days, and all burdens were lifted from me, and I was determined to live closer to God than ever before, for "He" never before had shown "His" tender mercy toward me in such a remarkable and wonderful manner, and I was convinced that as the chorus goes, "Every Promise in the Book is for me." Dear reader, whoever you are, believe me when I say there is only one truly joyous way of life, full and rich, and that is the true Christian Way. The basis of this is friendship and fellowship with Jesus.
Went to Catch Salmon and Caught a Family!
Days came and went. One day I went fishing for Salmon. Upon returning home a group of little children came running down the driveway to meet me, and I could hardly believe my own eyes--these children were my own--Gloria, Darrell, Lorin, and little Wayne--laughing and yelling in a crazy fashion to the top of their voices--Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! They swamped me with kisses and hugs as they swarmed over me in the car. A very pale, but smiling lady stood quietly by the house observing with pleasure this wild melee. With no little difficulty I managed to extricate myself from their arms and out from under them so that I might embrace their mother. Quickly she led me into the house to show me our new son RONALD DEAN, who was asleep in the buggy. One look was enough to convince me that he was one of the finest fellows who ever hit the Stae of Washington. Words cannot describe the joys of this happy occasion for us. This time of meeting and reunion was so blessed that I will hallow that event in my memory forever, for it is the fond remembrance of that happy hour. "The Lord is Good."
Pearl's Tremendous Task, And Friend's Help
You see, the letter Pearl had sent to inform me of their expected arrival here did not arrive in time, due to Labor Day being a holiday. Mrs. Ginther was not at all well; although she did not complain I managed to find out that she was suffering from a very stiff and painful neck. No doubt the long trip on the train had been very taxing on her limited strength. I took her to a good doctor who understood the case and immediately she found relief and also gained strength. Right here, may I say that she had not only gone through the ordeal of childbirth but had brought the five children to Wash. in less than a month, and that isn't all, she had the responsibility of disposing of the furniture in our large house in Sioux Falls, for she sold some and stored some with friends. Anyone can guess that this was a tremendous task to perform, especially in her condition. She did it so well, that as critical as I am I couldn't find a single fault with it. However, the accomplishment of this task was made possible only by the help of our Christian friends. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR IT.
Thank God for True Gold Friendship
Claude Peterson, you waited and took her to the hospital, and Alida, our sister, you were so kind to take care of her and manage the house, and James Brue, well, wait until I see you again. Ray Wicher, how can I ever forget you, and Rev. Gibbs, I thank you for your kindness and interest to Pearl and the children; also Mrs. Brende, you kept my family their last night in Sioux Falls, and Theoline, you took them to the train, and thanks also to the Volmers, and Aunt Emma, and John Nyhuis. And dear Ruth and Marie, also Frank and a host of others--thanks. The memory of your kindness and friendship is sacred to us.
OUR FIRST HOME
As I have indicated, we occupied the four room house of Inga's which amounted to just a cabin, but he got along okay. The stove had coils and pressure tank attached which gave a constant upply of hot water. Our refridgerator, bed, bedding, and clothes was all Pearl shipped out and of course Ruth Hovdeness sent Ronald a nice brand-new high-chair as a gift, with wide legs so it won't tip. This is sure fine, Ruth, and a constant reminder of our sweet Ruthie too. When Inga went to California she entrusted us with her good cow, "Sausie," which provided us with lots of good milk for a long time.
OUR SECOND HOME
In the spring, Inga's son wanted to come back and take over the farm. We were fortunate in renting a nice, cozy five-acre farm just a short distance away.
The cottage home is all modern, nice and clean with chicken house and barn. A large plot for garden, the rest is excellent pasture and hay-land. Just what we wanted, a paradise for the children too, they have their swings in the shade of the apple trees fom which I just picked two orange boxes full of transparent apples. How good they are.
We also have pear and plum trees. Here too we were able to get the furniture with the house again. Of course, we now had Ray Wicher send our washing machine and with this we were all fixed again.
I purchased a good young cow which provides all the milk and buter also cottage cheese we can use, even a little to sell besides. We raise all of our own pork, about 100 young chickens growing up, and a bunch of laying hens.
Our pork we put in a locker in town, and when we need meat I bring home several pounds at a time. No worry about food stamps--as we use very few of them.
So you see with the good garden a large part of our living is obtained from the little farm home. This is the ideal way and as it should be, the family helps make the living instead of every thing coming out of Daddy's pay check. And by the way, that pay check has been different from the one back there.
For your information, I figured up my gross income for the year from July 24, 1942, the day of my arrival, to July 24, 1943--more than $4000.00 [his monthly income more than tripled, from $120 to $450-$500]--Editors]. I never dreamed of anything like this was possible for me.
For some time I worked as a Ship-wright and joiner on board the ships. As a Joiner, I did finishing work in the state rooms and dining rooms, also officers' quarters on a big 1,700 ton transport under construction. This was a most beautiful and magnificent ship with graceful lines, luxuriously finish and tile bathrooms.
It was to be used as a troop carrier and they put in 3,500 bunks with accommodation for 4,000 men. Upon completion of this ship there was for a time a surplus of Joiners in the yard, so the company requested a number of us to go into sheetmetal work. I liked this work so well that I later decided to join this craft, and as I was able to get a Marine Journeyman rating with top wages I was not sorry I did.
I work in a huge shop at a bench making metal cabinets and lockers for the ships, all different sizes and types, also some are of difficult construction, while others are quite simple to make.
I started out with a simple one and now I construct the very largest and most difficult model; however, any of you fellows could build this cabinet if you had the chance to learn as I have enjoyed, and I mean you too, Ray.
This work requires measuring and accuracy to a 32nd of an inch and though you work from plans a number of principles of construction must be kept in mind, requiring full concentration. For a man with a mechanical inclination it's a dream of a job. This shop is full of wonderful machines, each has an operator, but you have to be able to tell him what you want, and how you want it done.
There is a minimum of screw work, when I have all my work all cut out it is taken into the welding room where the electric welders do the job of joining the various parts together. When this is done the electric sander is applied and all welds and joints are made nice and smooth. I now build the doors and when they are installed the work is ready for inspection by the foreman.
It seems that every mechanic takes a personal pride and interest in his work, doing his best to outshine the others. Any little flaw or mistake is quickly noticed and made a subject of ridicule and laughter by the men. This is the type of work I shall stay with from now on as I am completely satisfied with it in every respect.
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