A Glimpse into the Life of a Pioneer Mother
Awakening before dawn, I began my day at 4 AM to prepare the dough for bread and tend to the fire, ensuring that we could enjoy fresh loaves by the time my husband and sons returned from milking the cows and feeding the animals. I fried the last of our salt pork, a meager portion saved from last fall’s hog butchering. We had just enough fresh milk for the littlest ones, a true blessing. I often reflect on the loss of my baby who perished when my milk ran dry, and we lacked a cow or goats to help. The closest neighbor lived a daunting 23 miles away across the prairie. I would have done anything to nourish her; she was such a beautiful child.
Her grave lies beside the vegetable garden, alongside our other lost children: one taken by measles, another by scarlet fever, and one tragically trampled by a bull. I often think of how to prevent such dreadful illnesses. I am grateful for the seven children who survived and assist us on the homestead; I shudder at what my husband and I would do without their help. At 34, I consider it a blessing to have welcomed my first grandchild this past year.
My husband often jokes that I still look sprightly for my age. I’ve never gone a day without my corset, and my sunbonnet keeps my complexion pale as linen. At night, I apply tallow to my cracked hands to soothe my skin.
This morning, we hoed the garden and planted a new row of potatoes. I had the younger girls churning butter while the older ones helped me prepare headcheese. We managed to make six pies, five loaves of bread, a pan of crackers, and a pot of hominy, ensuring we would be well-fed. I thank the Good Lord for this abundance, as food is often scarce in these early months.
Later, my husband had to discipline the boys for throwing stones instead of plowing the oat field. We have no time for mischief; a good whipping should set them straight, or so I hope.
In the afternoon, I allowed the younger girls to play with sticks and corn cobs near the clearing, but warned them to stay vigilant for panthers in the trees. The older girls were doing laundry in the stream, while I boiled collected ashes to make lye for soap and carried buckets of water from the well back to the cabin.
My husband has mentioned making the long trek to town next week—25 miles—to trade pelts for some new calico for myself. The children are growing quickly, and it’s been three years since I’ve had a new dress. I also hope he can check for a letter from my sister back East, whom I miss dearly. I’ll need to prepare some ink from pokeberries and write her back.
Last night, my husband shot a bear that was prowling around the chicken coop, and we were thrilled. We have much meat now, and the fur could provide winter coats or a new blanket. I roasted some bear meat for dinner, and the boys enjoyed a hearty meal after a long day in the fields.
After dinner, we’ll read scripture by the light of a lamp before bed. Tomorrow’s agenda includes ironing, finishing the hats I began sewing, mending socks, baking bread for the weekend, changing the straw in the mattresses, and sweeping the dirt floor of our home. Perhaps if I finish all that, I’ll indulge in a cup of warm water. I’m saving the last of the tea leaves in case we ever have visitors—though that is quite rare.
A Day in the Life of a Modern Mother
I can’t even. Today has been a total disaster. I really need a Xanax to cope.
This morning, when I woke up, my kids, Mia and Liam, were completely uncooperative. I tried to explain that we were going to be late for preschool drop-off, which meant I would miss yoga—well, not miss, but be late enough to lose my favorite spot right by the mirror next to the instructor. Liam refused to put on his shoes, and Mia gagged on the green juice I made, which was incredibly frustrating because do you even understand how annoying it is to drag the juicer out of the cupboard? Not to mention how much I loathe cleaning it afterward? Neither child would take their Omega-3 gummies or probiotic drinks. It was a nightmare.
To top it off, I forgot to charge their iPads overnight, so they couldn’t watch toy unboxing videos on the way to school while I tried to meditate using my Headspace app during the drive. The kids were nearly in tears over the lack of iPads!
Finally, after loading them into my Honda Odyssey, I found they had spilled vegan cheddar bunny crackers all over the floor. We got stuck in traffic because I had to pass three Starbucks, all with drive-thru lines spilling out into the road. It was just too much; all I wanted was a venti cold brew with coconut milk, but of course, that wasn’t happening on a day I needed it the most.
After dropping the kids off, I found out that there was a substitute yoga teacher—one who plays way too much dubstep. Ugh.
Following yoga, I had to go to Whole Foods, but there were no parking spots. I nearly had a panic attack since I was out of chromium and resveratrol—a definite emergency. We needed more organic orange-scented butt wipes, and I wanted fresher microgreens, so skipping the shopping trip was not an option. I had to hurry home to let the cleaning lady in, and I was almost late!
Once home, while Yolanda cleaned, I ordered a waist trainer online because all the celebrities are using them. Then I splurged on two shirts that totaled $500 (such a steal!). Before I knew it, it was time to pick up my birth control prescription at the drive-thru pharmacy and collect the kids for their creative-movement and imaginative-play class, followed by a playdate at the park.
However, once we got to the park, I couldn’t shake my worries about how unsafe it was. There were bees, mosquitoes, and I imagined a child falling off the swing and getting hurt—like skinned knees, or something worse. The slide was hot from the sun; it was a disaster. The heat made Liam uncomfortable.
I also noticed that my Botox was wearing off, and I urgently needed to book another appointment. My skin is so pale; I need a spray tan! I was exhausted from the chaotic day, so for dinner, I took the easy way out and made the kids grilled cheese. I know, gluten and casein—so shameful. I should’ve picked up vegan almond cheese at Whole Foods, but the kids are so picky.
Anyway, I was beat, so after their bath, I handed them their iPads while I zoned out with mine, engaging in a heated Facebook debate with a woman from Ohio who thinks it’s acceptable to give babies formula. She claimed her milk dried up. I bet she didn’t even reach out to a lactation consultant.
After that, I FaceTimed my friend Chloe and took an adorable picture of Mia and Liam with our dog, which I posted on Instagram. Finally, they went to bed, allowing me to unwind with a bottle of wine.
What a long day. Honestly, sometimes I wonder how I manage it all. Motherhood can be utterly exhausting.
Summary
This comparison highlights the stark differences between the lives of pioneer mothers and modern-day moms. While pioneer mothers faced harsh realities and worked tirelessly to provide for their families, modern moms are often overwhelmed by the complexities of parenting in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. Despite the challenges, both types of mothers share a common thread of love and dedication to their children, illustrating the timeless nature of motherhood.
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