Akili and the Marigolds

The weather outside was hot and dry. It hadn’t rained in months. Akili and her mother had grown a beautiful, flourishing garden. Akili’s grandfather taught her mother how to grow a variety of crops like corn, pepper, tomato, okra and watermelon. Akili’s mother was known for selling the best produce at the local market. They were both looking forward to harvesting the summer crops but a sweltering heatwave caused their reaping to wither away. They looked at the crops disappointedly as they moved through the garden.

Akili’s mother planned to use the money to send Akili to school in the fall. As Akili’s mother wept, they embraced and Akili began to cry too. Without saying a word, they both understood the severity of their loss.

They salvaged what they could from the crops and took the vegetables home to prepare supper. Akili’s mother cooked a delicious okra soup with peppers and tomatoes and they had watermelon for dessert. They enjoyed cooking together and the flavorful food lifted their spirits.

The next morning, Akili and her mother went back out into the garden. It was much cooler than the day before and their laundry hanging on the clothes line began to swing in the summer breeze. Akili followed behind her mother as she surveyed the garden once more. She noticed that her mother’s shoulders had dropped and her steps became slow and deliberate as she passed by drooping pepper plants. A large gust of wind came by and nearly knocked Akili over. As she tried to regain her balance, a beautiful patch of flowers caught her eye. Akili walked over to the flower patch and decided to pick a few for her mother. She grabbed a handful in hopes of cheering her up.

“Mommy! Mommy! I picked these for you!,” Akili said, as she held out the bunch of flowers. Her mother’s eyes lit up and then her face became concerned.

“Where did you get these marigolds from Akili?,” she asked while looking over the little girl’s shoulder. Akili pointed to the spot in the garden where she’d picked the flowers but the patch was now barren.

“There’s nothing there. Where did you get th —.” Just as Akili’s mother asked about the flowers, another large gust of wind passed by. All of the marigold petals flew from the stems and as they fell to the ground, they formed a perfect trail. Akili and her mother looked at each other in disbelief. They decided to follow the trail of marigold petals.

The trail took them down into the valley where they were in awe of the lush vegetation and glistening river. Akili and her mother couldn’t believe their eyes. They had never seen anything like it. As they walked further into the greenery, they stubbled upon a massive farm. There was a “Help wanted” sign hanging from the front gate.

An older gentleman appeared, just as Akili’s mother went to open the gate. “May I help you?,” he asked.

“Yes,” said Akili’s mother. “We just saw your help wanted sign. What kind of help do you need, sir?”

The man explained that he needed extra farm hands to help with the planting and harvesting. Akili’s mother shared what happened with their garden and what she intended to do with the money from the crops. The man was empathetic towards them and asked if they would like to work on the farm.

“We have an abundance of crops,” he said. “I will lend you some things to sell as long as you come back to help me with the rest of the farm.”

Akili and her mother were ecstatic. They smiled, hugged each other and thanked the man for his generosity. He was more than happy to help and soon returned with a wheelbarrow full of a variety of crops. Akili and her mother made arrangements for when they would return to the farm and started heading back home.

The next day, Akili and her mother sold all of the crops at the market. They made enough money for Akili to attend school and even had money left over. They had never made that much money in one day! They were grateful and excited to return to the farm the next day. Akili’s mother prepared a large dinner with some of the crops she put aside for the home. They ate and went to sleep.

In the morning, Akili and her mother started making their way to the farm but as they entered the valley, the vegetation looked much different than it did during their first visit. The river had dried up from the brim of the riverbank and the “Help wanted” sign barely hung on to a rusty gate.

“Mama, what happened?,” Akili asked. “Are we lost?” They gave each other a confused look and then a sense of enlightenment came over Akili’s mother.

“We’re not lost,” Akili’s mother said. “We were guided here by our ancestors.”

Akili looked intrigued. As they turned to walk back home, Akili’s mother explained the significance of the marigold flowers and how they are used to connect with loved ones who’d passed away.

“Many believe that the bright color of the marigold flowers symbolize happiness, optimism and good luck,” Akili’s mother explained. “In some cultures, marigold flowers represent resurrection and are used to remember and honor those who have transitioned into spirits.”

Akili’s eyes got big and her mother reassured her that her ancestors don’t intend to harm her. Akili’s mother went on to clarify her belief that her grandfather visited them and helped to replenish their lost crops. Akili was delighted and got the impression that she was divinely protected.

When they arrived at home, Akili’s mother pulled out a photo album and showed the curious young girl pictures of her grandfather and his parents. She shared stories about farming and how Akili’s grandfather taught her techniques that he’d learned from his father. They talked for hours about old times and made plans for their next harvest. Akili was eager to learn about her family and felt a sense of pride knowing that she was continuing something that meant so much to her grandfather. Akili never got a chance to physically meet him since he’d passed away before she was born, but they were now developing their own special bond in spirit.