Mary covered her ears. When she heard Captain Jones on the deck yell: “lie ahull”, she knew what would happen. The boat would drift and Master Heale would not be able to tend to all the people who would get seasick again. The girls would have to stop playing house behind the dirty sheet and work to clean up and care for the sick. The foul smelling buckets would be stacked until the weather cleared. By now, they were used to it. Even Mary’s little friend, 6-year-old Remember, knew how to pour beer into a cup for those who needed it most.

Dutch children were supposed to be seen and not heard, they did as they were told…

Astrid closed her eyes. She had been given a list which spelled out her daily responsibilities, besides caring for nearly 3-year-old Michael. His parents strongly believed that he would potty train himself when it was time, so he was still in diapers. The three large dogs each needed to get combed every day according to the list. Michael’s mother did not work but somehow needed help. Thursdays’ list talked of “Fantastic and paper towel”. Astrid knew how to work hard and clean with a bucket and a Chamois. But she was just a Dutch girl who dutifully responded when told what to do….…..