Abigail and the Agaric
Abigail bent down to take a closer look at the mushrooms growing on the fallen tree that lay in the middle of the park.
“It’s poisonous”, she told Joshua, who was standing behind her wearing bright yellow Wellington boots and carrying his blue, dented, Dr. Who lunchbox.
“How do you know sister?” he asked, as he wiped a drop of rain from his brow.
“Because of the color,” Abigail responded proudly, pointing at the red tops of the mushrooms.
As Joshua began to take a closer look, a voice from behind the children spoke.
“These are not poisonous,” the voice said, “you can eat them.”
As the children turned around, they saw the old woman wearing a faded pink bonnet, beige overcoat, and,to Joshua’s delight, the same exact Wellington boots he was wearing, straight down to the color.
“Yes they are,” Abigail rebutted, “they are poisonous, just look at the color.”
The old woman moved closer to the mushrooms, then turned towards Abigail.
“You are wise my child. You are seeing the mushroom’s color and this is why you believe they are poisonous. Am I correct?”
“Yes,” Abigail responded, “you can’t eat them or you’ll get sick.”
“Right,” the old woman said, respecting the girl’s observation while being cognizant of her supervision over her brother.
“That’s funny,” the woman continued, now looking back towards the mushrooms, “I don’t see the spots.”
Derailed by the old woman’s comment, Abigail bent down towards the mushrooms, now squinting, as if trying to see something that wasn’t there.
“I don’t see them either,” she replied, “maybe the rain has made them invisible?”
As Abigail hovered over the fungus, she began to lose her composure at the possibility of being wrong. Not just wrong, but wrong in front of her brother, the one person she had influence over.
After several seconds of silence, she turned towards the old woman with slumped shoulders and responded.
“Maybe these aren’t the right ones,” she said, glancing over to see Joshua’s response at her uncertainty.
Aware of Abigail’s need for her brother’s admiration, the woman thought carefully of what to say as to not upset the girl. When the words came, she motioned towards Abigail and spoke.
“The red coloring combined with white spots is the Fly Agaric, a mushroom that can make you very ill. You are wise to use caution when seeing anything that resembles it,” she said, “however, these mushrooms are called wood ears and, they are delicious when prepared in soup. If your your life depended on it, knowing this could save you.”
Knowing her words may have been harsh on Abigail, the old woman quickly looked over towards Joshua.
“Now young man, your sister has brought you safety and wisdom, what will you offer in return?”
The small boy stood staring at the mushrooms thinking of the old woman’s words. He then turned towards his sister, gave her a hug, and thanked her for keeping him safe.
As the old woman began to leave, she took two steps towards Abigail and whispered into her ear.
“You must never allow life to hold you idle because of your ignorance. Knowing how to be safe is one thing, but being too safe can many times do more harm than good.”
She then smiled, pulled her bonnet tight over her head, and went on her way.
Anonymous
I’ve ready this story several times now. The first time, I almost cried and couldn’t get away fast enough. I’m the oldest of 4 sisters and was quite surprised that this touched a place inside where apparently there are bandages yet to be removed. However, I keep returning to the story for the wisdom here and the teaching of the different perspectives and how to acknowledge each one with the most respect and honor. This is a magnificent story of instruction! I learn something new each time I read it.
As a grandmother I enjoy the unique perspective of being a person of authority and a teacher without being the parent. Watching the grandchildren interact and looking for those teachable moments is a luxury parents don’t have as often. This story helps me be more observant of the thoughts and feelings behind each child’s actions and words. It has already made a difference in me. I hope that I can pass it along so elegantly as this woman has with these 2 children.
As that older sister, there was much to know and much responsibility. The reminder to not be “too safe” is a timely tip in this life. Thank you!