The Reshaping of Everyday Life - Essay Example

 Ann was sickly. She lost two infants at birth. Our infant son died of a fever along with Ann. I vowed never to marry again. My vow was broken the day I saw Mercy at church. She was meek, but healthy. I gave her father a cow for her hand in marriage. Although she did not love me at first, we have created a loving home.I have been blessed with three live children. James, nine, Isaiah, seven, and baby Sarah survived past the first fragile year. Some of my neighbors have not been as lucky. I know of two children our nearest neighbor buried.

I am lucky Mercy has survived motherhood. We plan on having as many as the Lord provides.I provide a good living for my family. My farm is twenty acres. I have a man, Samuel, which helps with the planting and harvesting. He works for a bed in the barn and food. We plant two different crops. Wheat and corn is the staple of our lives. Whatever we do not consume, I take to Boston to trade. I am also fortunate to have a bull and a cow. I get to sell a calf every summer. My horse is also invaluable.

We are not rich but have more than most. In the summertime, I plant and harvest my crops. In the winter, I cut wood to fill the always ravenous stove. Even with Samuel, I sometimes cannot keep up with the demands of keeping my cabin warm. When it gets really cold, Mercy and I, along with the children, will pile into one bed with all blankets. On those nights I envy Samuel. He stays warm with the horse, cows, and pigs in the barn. The barn is always warmer than the house.I am of the Puritan faith.

We attend Sunday services at the meetinghouse at the center of our village. Women and children sit on one side, while the men sit on another.