"The day is the 18th of September 1672. We gather here this Sunday to honor an unforgettable member of our community who passed away two mornings ago. God did not mean for Anne Dudley Bradstreet to have a comfortable life. Having led a sheltered life, young Anne Dudley married Simon Bradstreet. Knowing them so very well, we all know that they were both very much in love with each other. Reaching this new land, Anne realized that her near future was filled with hardships. Anne was then plagued by smallpox; although her beliefs were severely tested, she came through being guided by her faith.".
"From then till her death, she remained weak bodied. As time progressed, she was gifted with a strong and steady head on her shoulders. Her passion for education especially poetry has not dimmed. Albeit inappropriate, John took her work to England, and it was published. At first, shock was imminent at this sin, for a Puritan woman to feel such doubts about God and herself. But then just being married, then coming to a harsh land, then being alone because of her husband's work, would test any woman's faith in God. What is extraordinary of Anne is that she managed to imitate these feelings on parchment. Her inner war between faith and disbelief waged on as each tragic event added to another. Her house burning down was one of the most tragic events that happened to her. Miraculously, faith won and Anne's love for poetry made it impossible not to express these feelings in writings.".
"But being a Puritan and the great person that she is, her love and devotion to God became stronger and more bonding. She is almost like every other Puritan but she was given the gift of expression. She was also blessed with many children that she loved and cherished. When God took her away two days ago, it was an act of kindness to her. Her illness had made her so weak with pain and paralysis that it was a blessing.