October 26, 1785
Dear Mom and Dad, I write this letter as my last will and testimony. I want you to share what my life story with our tribesmen so that my life will be remembered. I was born in 1761 in what is now known as San Gabriel California. I am a part of the Tongva tribe and lived in the village of Jachivit. I was a child when Padre Junipero Serra started the San Gabriel Mission near my village. The mission forced my people to change their way of life. The Spanish call my people the Gabrieleno. They took our land, and brought death to many of us. Thousands fled the missions after being forced to work in labor camps, but most were caught and brought back to work like slaves. I am the daughter of a great and powerful shaman.…show more content… Both men and women would run at the sight of them, but they could not outrun their horses. Indian women lassoed like cattle. Men shot when trying to defend them. Then their bodies were tainted, full of sickness by the enemy, my sisters were contaminated. I would sing to the gods of the earth to purify them, have them drink my herbal medicine and burn the disease from out their skin. Never had we known such terror, or felt such pain.
November 14, 1785
Oh Great and mighty Spirit, who walks the four winds of our mighty sky, hear my voice, for I stand before you as but one of your many children. I have traveled long and far and I have grown tired and weary. My heart has much sadness for my journey has taken me to a land I do not understand and fear. My eyes no longer see the beauty you have created for all to see. They now only see shadows and darkness. My ears no longer hear the laughter of children at play. They now only hear the silence of night and the beating of my own heart. I fear I have taken the wrong road in life, and with each passing of the sun my heart becomes heavier with sadness for I no longer walk in balance with the universe and upon Earth…show more content… I am your Mother.
December 2, 1785
I am she that cares too much and allows this world to enter. I am the woman that loves too deeply. Do you see the woman or the girl inside, with emotions to great and plentiful to hide? They've shorn my hair and crushed my pride. Taken my land and my love from my side. A woman of honor, whose spirit remains free with love to give, but finding none that need.
December 13, 1785
In this jail cell I am given much time to reflect on my life. It has been over 45 days, days that blur one into the next. I do not know how much longer I will be held captive, or what fate lies ahead of me. I heard that my brother, the chief, was whipped, and then released. I thank the gods that his life was spared. I sometimes hear the guards speaking of their God and how he has come to save my people from their evil ways. What kind of God would allow such pain and suffering? I am told if I repent and convert I will be given leniency for my wrong doings. I meditate, searching for an answer. My heart and my mind tug one another, and battle for the right path to follow. I must protect myself and my tribesmen, but how far will I go to do