Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

The Day I Apologized to A Dead Worm

Sharing time with grandson Rowan brings joy to Alan and me. Rowan is two years old and full of love and laughter. Everything is a new adventure to him. From running in the backyard to chasing Olive, the Boston Terrier, to giving hugs, Rowan is a precious boy. His interest in everything brings chances for discussion and learning.

On a recent Saturday evening, Rowan’s parents went out for a date night. Bop and Mimi (Alan and Melissa) arrived at their home to play with Rowan while his parents were away for a few hours. After saying goodbye to Mommy and Daddy, we dumped colorful blocks on the floor, arranged dinosaurs in a row on the table, read books aloud and we all enjoyed playing chase and building forts with blankets and couch cushions. A two years old never slows down until bedtime.

Pointing his finger toward the front door, Rowan stated, “Let’s go outside. Let’s go walk.” Gathering our shoes from the closet, Bop and Mimi and Rowan readied for a short walk in the neighborhood. Fall has arrived and many homes displayed decorations. Rowan knows where all the fun pumpkins and spiders and bats are located. We walked and talked as he pointed to stop signs and cars and dogs barking.

At one point, Rowan stopped in his tracks and asked, “Mimi, do you hear that? It’s the birds.” I smiled and listening to the birds singing as they perched in trees and on telephone pole wires.

Another time, Rowan paused, turned his face upward and asked Bop to hold him. We had walked a long way. Everyone was tired.

Turning to head back home, a burst of energy found this two years old and he was ready to walk again.

We walked with a slower pace this time. He pointed out more interesting sights. Flowers, more dogs, more pumpkins and more birds.

The walk halted quickly and he looked at the sidewalk. I wondered what had happened.

“Mimi, you stepped on the worm. Mimi, say sorry to wormy.” Β I did not notice the dead worms on the sidewalk. I was busy watching this precious boy and how he enjoyed everything he saw.

After he told me again to tell wormy I was sorry, I did what Mimi’s do. I apologized to the dead worm.

“Wormy, I am so sorry.” Looking at the flattened dead worm that had probably been there all day, I felt the need to follow Rowan’s request and say I was sorry.

Apology over, the walk continued. We arrived home and all was well.

Rowan helped us remember to enjoy simple things in life. Taking a walk in the neighborhood, listening to birds singing, enjoying fall decorations, noticing stop signs and yes, watching for dead worms on the sidewalk.

Thank you Rowan. You make us so happy.

Mimi and Bop love you very much.

Have you paused and enjoyed the sights and sounds around you? What have you noticed lately? Share with us.

Blessings,
Mimi

 

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55 Comments
  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 09:12h, 21 October Reply

    Aw…sounds like Rowan is a compassionate little boy. Sweet story, Melissa. Thanks for sharing.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:34h, 21 October Reply

      Thank you Jill. He is a very compassionate little boy. He brings great joy to the whole family. Have a blessed week dear friend. πŸ™‚

  • Joanne Viola
    Posted at 11:28h, 21 October Reply

    Amazing how our grandchildren help us to take note of what we would overlook. I love that Rowan reminds us all to be quick to apologize πŸ™‚

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:35h, 21 October Reply

      Yes, Rowan helps us to remember to be quick to apologize and also, to be friendly. Last evening, we enjoyed another nice walk with Rowan and his parents. He was the first one to greet people and say, “Hi friends.” πŸ™‚ Have a blessed week!

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 12:08h, 21 October Reply

    Awww…such a tender heart!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:36h, 21 October Reply

      Yes, a very tender heart. We are proud of his parents for teaching him to be kind. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 12:40h, 21 October Reply

    That is too sweet!!! Love it! What a compassionate child.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:41h, 21 October Reply

      He truly brightens the day and shares his love with everyone. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed week!

  • Vickie@Vickie's Kitchen and Garden
    Posted at 13:37h, 21 October Reply

    Aww you had a wonderful time with your grandson! I guess it’s easy to forget to take time to smell the roses (or pay homage to a dead worm). It’s so good to remember and little ones help us to do that!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:44h, 21 October Reply

      Rowan continues to amaze us and teach us how to enjoy the simple things in life. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed week!

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 15:45h, 21 October Reply

    Grandchildren are such an amazing gift from God. It is no wonder that doctors say that having grandkids keeps us feeling younger. I love spending time with mine too. Thank you Jesus for the things they teach us.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:47h, 21 October Reply

      Amen. Thanking Jesus for all the things children teach us. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed week!

  • Carol
    Posted at 17:54h, 21 October Reply

    A sweet story. Reminds me of times with my grandchildren and the wonderful innocence children bring to our lives.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 17:56h, 21 October Reply

      Thank you Carol. Yes, grandchildren bring special joy to our lives. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • CHRISTY WILLIAMS
    Posted at 02:41h, 22 October Reply

    What a sweet little boy!! You are truly blessed!! I do indeed need to be more intentional about stopping to enjoy the simple pleasures all around me. Thanks for the reminder.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:27h, 22 October Reply

      I pray that I will be ready and alert to enjoy God’s blessings every moment. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Bettie G
    Posted at 03:53h, 22 October Reply

    Aww what a sweet little boy, with such a sensitive heart! Thank you for sharing this story tonight, Melissa. You brought such warmth to my heart. Blessings, love and hugs!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:27h, 22 October Reply

      I am glad the story brought warmth to your heart. Rowan is truly a sweet boy. Have a blessed week! Blessings, love and hugs to you, too, dear friend. πŸ™‚

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 05:54h, 22 October Reply

    What an adorable little angel! Just like your sweet grandson, Jesus walks with us and points out wonderful things for us to enjoy too. A walk with Him opens our eyes to spiritual understanding. Thanks to you and Rowan for this gentle reminder. Hugs! ❀️xoxo

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 12:39h, 22 October Reply

      Amen. When we walk with Jesus, we are given many blessings to enjoy. Have a blessed week dear friend. πŸ™‚

  • Emily Saxe | To Unearth
    Posted at 13:05h, 22 October Reply

    I love the observant nature of children! I’ve been noticing the changing season here in Indiana, too. What beauty God gives us!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:19h, 22 October Reply

      Yes, yes! What beauty God gives us! He provides many sights and sounds for us to enjoy. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • ava11james
    Posted at 13:19h, 22 October Reply

    I love the way you illustrate such an important point so simply, beautiful! Capturing us all like children.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:52h, 22 October Reply

      Thank you so much. We all start as children and continue to learn from each other. πŸ™‚ God’s blessings are all around us. Have a blessed week!

      • ava11james
        Posted at 19:13h, 24 October Reply

        Blessings to you too Melissa!

  • debwilson2
    Posted at 16:15h, 22 October Reply

    Melissa, what a precious story and what a precious child Rowan is. Thanks for makinge me smile.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 17:24h, 22 October Reply

      Thank you. Yes, Rowan is precious. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 12:39h, 23 October Reply

    Grandchildren keep us in the present, don’t they? Recently I planned a baking party for my 11-year-old granddaughter and hadn’t laughed that much in a long time! Rowan has an honourable respect for animals already it seems!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:00h, 23 October Reply

      Laughter with family is the best! Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • bethbingaman
    Posted at 19:37h, 23 October Reply

    “Grands” do add to our lives! What a blessing.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 22:03h, 23 October Reply

      Yes, they do bring great joy! Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 01:08h, 24 October Reply

    Melissa, I loved this sweet story! You had me smiling from ear to ear and remembering similar precious moments with our kids when they were little. Thank you for brightening my day with this memory!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:35h, 24 October Reply

      Thank you for your sweet words. I love how precious memories can be brought back to us at any time. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • nancyehead
    Posted at 08:02h, 24 October Reply

    Out of the mouths of babes… Aren’t they grand? God bless!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:35h, 24 October Reply

      Nancy, I believe there are times when children have more wisdom than adults. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed week!

  • Candice Brown
    Posted at 12:17h, 24 October Reply

    I love this story! I sometimes get frustrated while working with young children day in and out but there is nothing I could do that is more meaningful and personally fulfilling. I have thought about changing careers; this article is making me pause and remember. Your grandson sounds precious!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:36h, 24 October Reply

      Candice, yes, Rowan is precious. He constantly makes us laugh and his compassion for people and animals is truly heartwarming. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Suzette K.
    Posted at 14:19h, 24 October Reply

    I found you again, thanks for the map. I’m getting better, but not there yet on the tech side of things. Thanks for reminding me of our almost two-year old granddaughter, Reagan. How I would love to spend the afternoon playing with her!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:23h, 24 October Reply

      Two years old children can bring the most fun. Truly, any age can bring fun and laughter. I learn so much from Rowan. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Stephen De La Vega
    Posted at 16:36h, 24 October Reply

    Hi Mimi. Working in “Metropolis,” I see things on the sidewalk sometimes that I wish were not there. Sigh. But a little over a week ago when we had a full moon, my son and I talked marveled at it while we were driving. Full moons are pretty amazing. I explained to him that the moon is only full for a little while, and most of the time it is either waxing or waning. And I explained the little I know about how it is visible because the sun shines on it and the dark area is a shadow of the earth. Hmm… I hope some of it stuck in his mind. πŸ™‚

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:22h, 24 October Reply

      What a great sharing time for you and your son! Those special conversations are true blessings. I bet he will remember the conversation. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • Lisa Quintana
    Posted at 02:40h, 25 October Reply

    Makes me want grandkids reading this! How fun. I’ll make sure to watch my step on the sidewalks to try and avoid those worms! Ha ha ha…. sweet story!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:28h, 25 October Reply

      Haha!! Yes, watch for those worms because someone may request you apologize to them. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Robin Lord
    Posted at 03:37h, 25 October Reply

    I agree with saying “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may realize that they were the big things.” My dogs inspire me to appreciate simple things. They seem to get so much joy from just sitting near us or walking around the yard.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 12:27h, 25 October Reply

      I love how our animals give us joy. Yes, they do teach us to appreciate the little things. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Karen Friday
    Posted at 15:15h, 25 October Reply

    Melissa, I love your Rowan-stories. And from one Mimi to another, apologies are important…even to dead worms. πŸ™‚ But, yes, kids teach us so much about paying attention to the details of God’s creation!

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 15:37h, 25 October Reply

      Thank you Karen. Yes, apologizes are important. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 16:19h, 25 October Reply

    What a sweet little story. You’ve all clearly modeled compassion for him, and he has learned from your example. Good job!

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 16:39h, 25 October Reply

      Thank you Melinda. We learn from Rowan, too. Have a blessed day! πŸ™‚

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 20:48h, 02 November Reply

    I loved reading this, Melissa. When my oldest was that age, I said, “This boy has two speeds: Speedy. and Sleep.” πŸ™‚ Your grandson sounds like a sweet wee one who knows his mind. πŸ™‚

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:05h, 02 November Reply

      Children are wonderful blessings. I love how the little ones have energy and get excited about so many things in life. πŸ™‚ Have a blessed day!

  • Janice D. Green
    Posted at 19:56h, 03 November Reply

    What a privilege and a joy to have this time with your grandchildren. I love your grandson’s heart for the squished worms.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 00:27h, 04 November Reply

      Rowan brings great joy and love to our family. He is full of laughter and fun. Have a blessed week! πŸ™‚

  • LuAnn K. Edwards
    Posted at 05:32h, 20 November Reply

    I love seeing through the eyes of a child. Thank you, Melissa.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 15:18h, 20 November Reply

      What a blessing to see life through the eyes of a child. Have a wonderful and blessed day! πŸ™‚

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