A MISUNDERSTANDING!
Ruby’s mom and dad like to run. Sometimes they train for a marathon. Sometimes they run for fun. Ruby is two and half years old. It is difficult for her parents to enjoy their favourite sport together.
One Saturday, we all agreed to meet at the trailhead of Junction Creek along the Sheep River Road; grandparents would enjoy a stroll along a trail with Ruby; the runners would fill up on the exhilaration of trail running together.
We waved to the smiling couple as they splashed across the creek and disappeared into the bush. We strolled along the creek banks with our toddler. Goldenrod and Wild Aster were just coming into bloom. We found the fluffy seed head of Old Man’s Whiskers and bright yellow Arnica bobbing on a grassy knoll.
“Look, Ruby!” I said, pointing out into the swirling water, “See the rapids!” Ruby gazed. “See the water bubbling over the stones!” Ruby gazed obediently. “Look! Can you see the rapids?” Ruby gazed some more, quietly, thoughtfully, not saying a word.
Eventually she said, “I think the rabbits are under the water.” I was puzzled, but allowed her to continue. “I think,” she pondered, “the rabbits live in burrows in the mud at the bottom of the creek.”
“Well, no,” I said, “rabbits don’t live in the water. They make burrows on dry land, in the woods, not in the water. Water is not a good home for rabbits. See the swirling rapids!”
Suddenly, I understood what she thought I had said! And she believed me!
This trusting little soul knew I would not lie to her and she believed rabbits were there somewhere in the water although she could not actually see them.
I tried my best to clear up the misunderstanding. I pronounced the different words carefully so they would not sound the same, but I was met with the same puzzled stare. It was impossible. I gave up. She would understand later.
And why not rabbits in the mud at the bottom of the creek? Otters, beavers, muskrats, frogs and turtles are quite at home there!
Andrea Kidd
