Two People One Life.

December 10, 1509

Today my boss told me to get some things packed for a trip. I asked him why? He told me that something came up and we are leaving to go on special business. So I left home and told my wife that I had to leave for a special business. She looked at me with a depressed face “But it’s Riley’s Birthday on the 16^th…” a weight dropped on my shoulder “I forgot all about it! Here, I got an idea. I will bring Riley a present back from where I’m going, ok?” “Ok then. I guess that’s ok.” After I got all my things packed I left for the harbor. My boss said that it might take a couple of months. Well then I better just sit back and enjoy the ride. Good-bye.      

June 30, 1509

Hello. Philip here. I just wanted to write to keep you all updated. I’m 36 years old now, Carmen is 35, Mary is 7, and Riley is 5. Years have pasted and I thought my viewers would lose track of the time. It’s summer time now and my kids are out of school so I can spend more time with them! I’m going to teach my son how to cook. Yeah, I know he is to young but as he gets older he will get better. And I’m going to take both Mary and Riley to the fair on July 20th. This will be the first time that Riley has gone to a fair. Well I better get going now and spend time with my kids. Good-bye. 

September 4, 1507 

I would like to talk about my friend I mentioned in my last post. George and I grew up together as friends. He is funny, smart and seems to be always cheerful. But for a person to be like that with such a bad past… it’s hard to believe. George had a father that was a military solider like him. He had to go off to war. I can’t remember which war it was but anyways. His dad gave him and his mother a huge hug and then left. Just then, George remembered that he had to give his father something. George ran as fast as he could and ran onto the ship. He looked and looked for his dad but couldn’t find him. All of a sudden, the ship started to leave the dock. George thought that maybe he should stow away on the ship and surprise his father when he saw him. George was young and didn’t know where his dad was going. His dad didn’t explain it to George. Hours pasted and George couldn’t find his father. A couple of hours later, the ship shook violently and George heard gunshots and people yelling. Then the ship landed and George went out in the open to look for his father. Right in front of George, running off the boat, was his dad. “Daddy!” His father turned around with eyes and mouth wide open. “Son!? Why are you here!?” George was a little confused now because his father was yelling at him. “I came here to give you this…” George opened his hands and handed over a small locket. Inside was a picture of his wife and George. “I- I really appreciate this but-” Out of no were came a grenade flying out of a bush and landed right in front of them. “Son, run!” And George’s father pushed him into the water. George went flying, watching his dad wave at him… crying. George was then underwater. Then a big boom aside with an explosion came. George felt breathless. He couldn’t believe that his father died… Right in front of him. George doesn’t remember anything after that. He just woke up in a hospital. George has had a tough life. He only had minor injuries but he did get a little blind in one eye from the explosion. After that incident, I came to George’s house everyday to comfort him. Well that’s all for now. Good-bye.

September 3, 1507

A few days ago, the military bought a new ship from the Mexicans. It’s a very nice ship. The kitchen in it is bigger then the last one and no broken floors. They also have this big huge room. I asked what it was going to be used for and they told me that it was a slave holding room. (Sigh) I can’t stand people that keep slaves almost as pets. They treat them with no respect. The military decided to name it S.S Highlander. I think it’s a good name. Well my friend, George (a guy in the military), told me that I better get all my supplies from the old ship and put them in the new one. Good-bye.

April 19, 1506

Sorry people. It’s been a long time since I last wrote. I came back from the docks, fishing, and went to go milk old Betty the cow and saw her in the back yard dead. I was outraged because I’m going to have to get another cow and they are getting a little pricey now a days. When I looked at the body to see what killed her, I saw teeth marks. Now that I knew what killed my cow, I can go tell the king to do something about it. When I came to the king, I told him my problem and to my surprise he said that it was none of his business and got his guard to kick me out. I was really mad now. Now I am probably going to have to buy supplies to build a fence for my yard. I couldn’t believe what the king said. Well I’m off to go get some supplies for my fence. Good-bye.

December 16, 1504 

It happened! Yesterday my wife had her baby and you know what? It’s a boy! I am so happy! My wife and me named him Riley. My wife is tired so I am looking after him for the day. He has the same eyes as me but has black hair. The mid-wife that helped my wife give birth said that Riley was a very healthy baby. This is so wonderful! I now have a little boy that I can bond with! I could teach him to push a wooden hoop down a old dirt road just like my dad taught me. And maybe even teach him to be a great cook like his dad. Well look at me. Just yammering on away about me. I better get going. Have to look after Riley. Good-bye.

October 6, 1504

Just came back from my job, which took a month and a half to travel there and back, and it was fantastic. We left for Hong Kong, China and traded with the people there. The military 4 mostly traded weapons and stock in exchange for spices, gunpowder, clothing material, gold and silver. On the way back home, I used some of the spices to make supper and it turned out terrific! I brought some of the leftovers home for my wife to try. She thought it was great! At the time, my wife’s pregnant and it seemed like the baby could come at any moment. I am hoping it will be a boy. And my darling daughter, Mary, is 2 years old now. Well I have to go now and milk the cow. Good-bye.  

November 5, 1503

Today, one of the king’s guard came door to door telling everyone to come to the meeting hall at 6:00 pm. My wife and me were wondering what was going on. So at 6:00, we left our house and headed for the meeting hall. When everyone was seated the king came to the stage and started to speak. “My fellow peasants! Today, one of my guards came to me saying that a slave was stealing food from the market. I have been watching this go on for a while now and think punishments should be made. First off, if a slave steals from a store they will get 1 strike and get sent to jail for a week. If their behavior dose not improve and they don’t stop stealing, they will be killed!” Chatting filled the hall. I couldn’t believe it. Did I just hear what I think I heard? “Yes. Any slaves that continue to steal will be executed. That is all.” A wave of people departed the hall. It seemed like no one cared. I was shocked. Well maybe I should sleep this off. I just couldn’t believe it…

May 16, 1503

Today is a really good day today. First I helped this lady catch her chickens that got lose. For thanks, she cooked me up a nice lunch. It was fantastic! I over heard some people talking about the government going to build a Foundation of Convento de San Jeromino el Real. I read somewhere that a Convento is a place where nuns live. I think that is wonderful to build a home for nuns. God is probable watching down on us and saying that that was a generous thing to do. Another wonderful thing happened today. When I came home from the trade area, my beautiful daughter came up to me and said “Daddy”. I was filled with joy! Who would of known that Daddy would be her first word. So for a little celebration, I took my daughter to a small toyshop to buy her a toy she had kept her eyes on. On my way in, I saw a small native kid in the shop. The owner was dragging him out and yelling to him “Don’t you dare try to steal from my store you dirty slave! Don’t come back in here ever again!” I was overwhelmed. I can’t believe how cruel some people can be. All the little kid wanted was a toy. I really do feel sorry for the slaves that are treated so badly. I would of bought that little native boy a toy but the king says that we are not aloud to help any slave out if they are not ours. Well it’s getting late and it’s time to go to sleep for today. Good-bye.