Lisandras' Legacy to her Unborn Child (Based on 17th century women literature)
The Genre of "Mothers' Legacies"
The genre of "mothers' legacies" emerged in the early modern period, gaining prominence in the 17th century. As Jennifer Heller notes, these legacies share several key features: they convey a maternal voice, are addressed to children, are often framed as deathbed advice, and provide religious guidance (Heller 2). This genre flourished during a time when women frequently faced the risk of childbirth without the medical advancements we have today. It provided a socially accepted means for women to respond to the complex religious and political changes of early modern England, allowing them to articulate their hopes and values for their children.
Mothers used this genre to write various forms, including letters, prayers, translations, dialogues, family histories, and collections of precepts, often addressing their unborn children or husbands in the event of their untimely death (Heller 2).
Citation: Heller, Jennifer. Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England. Routledge, 2016.
Lisandra's Legacy
As I embark on my research into the 17th century, I feel compelled to write my own mothers' legacy, especially since I am currently pregnant. Below is my personal letter, intended for my daughter, outlining how I hope she will be raised if anything were to happen to me.
Dear Daughter,
If God were to call for me in the midst of my delivery, I want you to know that you were loved from the very moment of conception.
Your father loves me genuinely, with honesty and communication, allowing me to be my true self without ego. I hope the man you choose to be the father of your children will love you in the same way—because love should be safe and make you feel free.
Do not blame God for your fears, doubts, or anger about the world. Instead, pray every morning and night, and cultivate a relationship with Him, reaching out not just in need but in gratitude. Your faith is built on that relationship, and you will find solace in the places that bring you closest to God—mine is the beach.
Include your ancestors in your prayers, especially those you never met. They are your guardian angels, guiding you through life.
Always listen to the little voice in your heart, often called "intuition." It will never steer you wrong; you already have the answers inside you. Trust this guidance in all areas of your life, including relationships and career choices.
Remember to put into the world what you wish to receive in return—kindness, peace, and abundance. Spend time in nature and with animals; it will make you feel alive.
Speak kindly of others and yourself, as words are powerful manifestations of your reality.
Your sole purpose on Earth is to discover your sacred calling through your intuition, your relationship with God, and the wisdom of your ancestors. Do not fear death; those who have fulfilled their sacred calling usually depart in peace.
Finally, know that it is okay to let go of societal expectations, including political and religious views imposed upon you. These constructs change over generations and have no bearing on who you truly are.
If you ever forget your essence, turn to the vintage suitcase filled with journals, family history, pictures, and letters. It should remind you that you were always meant to be loved, special, and powerful—even before you arrived on Earth.
This personal legacy reflects my hopes and values as a mother, drawing on the spirit of the "mothers' legacies" of the past while addressing the social expectations that continue to shape our lives today.