Every time my mother-in-law visited, she brought pistachios in a clear bag for my five-year-old daughter. At first, I assumed it was a harmless treat, but one day my daughter started experiencing excruciating stomach ache 
I was well aware of my mother-in-law’s deep affection for her grandchild. She came once every seven days. Everything seemed normal as they played together and spoke nonstop. However, there was one particular aspect that occasionally unnerved me.
Every time she visited, my mother-in-law brought the same clear pistachio bag. As though it were the most priceless present in the world, my daughter was thrilled each and every time.
The fact that the bag was just a basic, clear plastic bag without a label or brand always bothered me a little.
I couldn’t contain myself one day and asked:
Where do you get these, Mom?
— From a market friend, — she said nonchalantly. Unlike those chemical-laden store-bought ones, they are tasty and natural.
I refrained from arguing. That’s how grandmothers are; they adore all things “natural.”
However, my kid began complaining of stomach problems one day following another visit. I hurried her to the hospital in a hurry as she sobbed and curled up in pain. We discovered something horrifying there 
For a long time, the doctor sat silently, gazing over the test findings. Then he raised his head and inquired:
— Are you certain the kid isn’t on any drugs?
— Certainly not! She is barely five years old!
Then he revealed something that chilled me to the bone: Her blood had evidence of potent sedatives. Although the dosages were low, they might be harmful to a child.
“She has been receiving these on a regular basis,” the doctor continued.
One of the last bags of pistachios was the first thing I opened when I arrived home. The nuts appeared to be bathed in a bitter substance, which gave them an odd fragrance. I collected them all and brought them to a laboratory.
The results the following day showed that there were, in fact, sedative residues in the pistachios.
It was unbelievable to me. My mother-in-law was truly shocked, even afraid, when I approached her.
She started, “I didn’t mean any harm.” According to the neighbor, your young daughter is too vivacious and anxious. You know, that’s bad for the heart. She was a doctor once. We reasoned that it wouldn’t hurt to use a little relaxing remedy. I simply added a few drops to the nuts.
I was shocked by what I heard.
— You administered her medication without a physician’s prescription? Without informing me?
— But I did it because I loved you! — she almost yelled. — All I wanted was for her to relax; I didn’t want to hurt her!
She hasn’t been allowed inside our home since that day. It took my daughter a long time to become well, both mentally and physically.
Even the finest of intentions can be more harmful than any poison, I’ve learned.
