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

Mistaken Identity or “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

Moving from one house to another is quite the task. Alan and I have moved numerous times in our over 41 years of marriage. Job changes have caused most of those moves. From living in apartments to townhouses to building our dream home to finally believing this latest move is our “forever home”, we follow the idea of “finding joy wherever God sends us”.

Since moving from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago, we have lived in three homes. Each of those three homes is located in the same area, just different sections. When we first arrived in SC, we didn’t know the area, so we rented a nice townhouse instead of buying. The neighbors on that street are some of the best people we’ve ever met. The ladies still gather for special occasions and if someone has a need, the “Draymohr Girls” are there to help and pray.

With that home no longer for rent, we searched and found another townhouse just a few streets away from the first one. Once again, God provided great neighbors who show care and compassion for everyone. We often see neighbors from both places at the local grocery stores. We’re able to visit and catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of these special friends.

This year, 2020, we finally made the decision to purchase a home. This is our favorite neighborhood and we wanted to stay. Our search began and in just a short time, we found a home to purchase. Offer made, offer accepted, closing date set, movers scheduled and we began packing up the boxes.

Alan and I have lived in this new “forever” home since the middle of August. The neighborhood is filled with families of all ages. What a blessing to hear the laughter of children and to watch families taking walks together. This is a wonderful place. We thank God for providing this home and the friendly people who have welcomed us with open arms.

With all the moving from one place to another, I had an embarrassing moment (or two). Alan and I went to the local home improvement store to look at storm doors. Of course, there is always something else to check out at the home improvement store.

As we walked to the checkout line, a nice lady, wearing a mask, said, “Hi, where have you been? I talked to you one day and the next day, you were gone.”

Recently, we had been invited to share refreshments and fellowship at a new neighbor’s home. (Social distancing, of course.) When I saw the lady at the checkout counter, my mind immediately thought that she was one of the new neighbors.

I began trying to get the right words out, without embarrassing her. “Oh, remember, we visited with you at the neighbors house. Remember, we live near you?” I kept referring to the new neighbors. The nice lady  gave me an odd look, although I could only see her eyes and forehead due to the mask.

I kept attempting to explain who we were and how we knew each other.

All of a sudden, Alan placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and shaking his head, he said, “No, dear. That’s not her. That’s a friend from the other place.”

My embarrassment began to show as my face turned red and my mask became sweaty.

Apologizing, I began sharing about the new neighbors and how we had moved in August. My words rambled and rambled.

Our friend from the other neighborhood just laughed and said, “No problem. I understand.” We continued with conversation and laughter.

For a few days afterwards, I still felt embarrassed when I thought of my mistake. Then, I took my worry to God.

God reminded me there was no need for embarrassment. We all make mistakes and sometimes, we can laugh at those mistakes.

A true “Mimi” moment. Thank You God, for covering me with Your love.

Have you ever had an experience with “mistaken identity”? What was the outcome?

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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46 Comments
  • Karen Jurgens
    Posted at 06:53h, 12 October Reply

    Great story as usual, dear Mimi. I’ve experienced a mixed-up identity years ago. Apparently I have a double who people mistake me for. At the mall, the farmer’s market, a school district where I worked, and even In a hospital, of all places. People swear I’m the other person and it takes great persuasion on my part to convince them otherwise. I even had it happen just a couple days ago! Actually it is a little creepy!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:02h, 12 October Reply

      Wow! That is creepy. Wonder if the other person has encountered the same thing. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Vickie@Vickie's Kitchen and Garden
    Posted at 10:13h, 12 October Reply

    She must have looked enough like that other women to get you confused. I’m sure she understands. My problem is I think I’m walking right by people and not acknowledging them because they have their mask on. I hope not but I feel like I’m not really seeing anyone I know in forever long time.
    Have a wonderful day Mimi.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:12h, 12 October Reply

      Masks are necessary, but they sure can cause confusion when it comes to recognizing people. 🙂 I’m learning a lot about expressing emotions with my eyes. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Stephen W. HIemstra
    Posted at 11:17h, 12 October Reply

    Mimi:

    Congratulations on your moves! As I age, I find it harder to change things up. I cannot imagine so many moves so quickly.

    With the pandemic, I have not been going out as much. With no volunteer work to do other than to care for my parents, I have gotten a lot more writing done. I am starting to feel more like a “real” writer.

    Thank you for your support.

    Stephen

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:13h, 12 October Reply

      Hello. I’m writing a lot more, too. Moving can be hard, but we have found many blessings in each move. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 11:23h, 12 October Reply

    Funny story, Melissa. I remember once, while pumping gas at a station, a woman approached me. She was convinced I was Mary Hart…the hostess from the old show Entertainment Tonight. I was caught off guard by her persistence in having me admit that’s who I was. It was odd.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:03h, 12 October Reply

      Hahaha! I remember watching Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight. How interesting that the lady was persistent in wanting you to admit you were Mary. What an experience! 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Betty Owens
    Posted at 11:52h, 12 October Reply

    Yes! And I imagine it’s more prevalent now that we’re wearing masks. I enjoyed reading your story and glad I’m not the only one. 🙂

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:04h, 12 October Reply

      Thank you Betty. I’m glad I’m not the only one who has experienced strange things while wearing masks. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Gail
    Posted at 13:10h, 12 October Reply

    Yes, my daughter and I were at the Yellow mall several years ago. A man approached us in a store sure my daughter was Reese Witherspoon. When we tried to explain he went back over to his wife and whispered to her, I’m sure convincing her they were in the presence of fame. We even ran into them again in the parking lot. He still was not convinced. My daughter and I had a good laugh and decided maybe she should have given him an autograph and made an old man’s day.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:15h, 12 October Reply

      Oh my! Being mistaken for Reese! Wow! These experiences do bring laughter. I have been known to approach someone I think is a celebrity. Fortunately, each time, I was correct. The people were very nice and chatted a bit. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 14:00h, 12 October Reply

    I love reading your “mishap” stories. I once received a phone call from someone who I thought was my brother-in-law. He’s was a prankster, and I thought he was messing with me. I talked to this man for several minutes before I realized I was talking to someone who had called a wrong number–yes, I was a bit embarrassed and quickly ended the call. I still chuckle about that and it was probably 20 years ago.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:09h, 12 October Reply

      I am laughing. I can just imagine the conversation. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 15:18h, 12 October Reply

    Melissa, if it’s any consolation, I do this ALL the time, more as I’ve aged. I always remember the story my husband tells. He had an elderly aunt (not that you and I are 😂) who was forgetful and became confused a lot. When she became especially forgetful, she used the laugh at herself. I had the privilege of spending time with her as well before she passed and always loved the way she laughed at her mistakes.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:33h, 12 October Reply

      I have learned to laugh at my mistakes. I believe God always has a lesson in every moment, even in mistakes. Thank you for sharing about your aunt. (No, we are not elderly. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • J.D. Wininger
    Posted at 17:14h, 12 October Reply

    Thank you Lord; I adopted a new term today, “a Mimi Moment.” Every time I refer to having one of those, which happens multiple times each day any more, I’ll smile and think of the sweet, grace-filled friend, who first coined that term. I love how your old neighbor showed grace in your moment of confusion. With everyone wearing masks these days, that happens a lot to me. I can see why you and Mr. Alan love your neighborhood so much. My nearest neighbor is almost 40 acres away, but we still wave to each other when we can. God’s blessings Ms. Melissa, and thank you for the broad smile you brought today ma’am.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:36h, 12 October Reply

      Thank you dear friend. You always bring me smiles. Yes, our family says there are a lot of “Mimi Moments”. I am thankful to be a “Mimi” and thankful for the laughter God provides. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 17:36h, 12 October Reply

    So cute! I used to get so embarrassed about my flubs and goofs and faux pas, but then I realized it’s ok, I’m not perfect, and maybe today I’m someone’s opportunity to provide grace… 🙂 Plus, at least my goofiness can make someone laugh.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:02h, 12 October Reply

      Love this! Yes, we can extend grace to each other. Laughter is a wonderful gift from God. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Bettie G
    Posted at 17:42h, 12 October Reply

    Dear Melissa,
    I love the way that God helped you to see the laughter in the situation as you let go of your worries to Him. It is so great when He gives us another way to see things! May He continue to bring great blessings to you in your neighborhood!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:03h, 12 October Reply

      Thank you Bettie. I love how God gives us laughter. He gives great blessings every day. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 17:46h, 12 October Reply

    I don’t have the problem with mistaken identity as much as I have situations where I remember the person, I just don’t remember their name! Definitely embarrassing!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:04h, 12 October Reply

      Remembering names can be troublesome at times. We are still learning the names of our new neighbors. One neighbor said they made a chart listing house numbers and names. I think I need to try that. I might have to carry a note pad with me. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 18:20h, 12 October Reply

    A dear friend often said, “If you can laugh about it later, laugh about it now.”

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:05h, 12 October Reply

      Yes, yes Diana! Laugh now and laugh later. God is so good at giving us things to laugh about. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Michelle Welsh
    Posted at 18:23h, 12 October Reply

    Congratulations on your new home! I’ve made a similar mistake, except once I thought the person I saw was a classmate, but instead was a stranger. Boy was my face red since I hurried to catch up. Now, I’m more cautious before shouting out my hello. LOL

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:09h, 12 October Reply

      Haha! Seems a lot of us have “mistaken identity” stories. Thank you for the congratulations on our new home. We love the neighborhood. Everyone is very friendly. My face was beet red when I realized I thought the lady I was talking to was actually someone else. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Candace Pope
    Posted at 18:58h, 12 October Reply

    After finishing a round of golf recently I was driving my cart out of the parking lot when another lady golfer flagged me down and said, “We missed you today!” When she got a closer look at me she said, “Oh! I thought you were someone else!” She was very embarrassed, but I assured her I am often mistaken for other people and that I sure do feel sorry for those people. We laughed and talked a while, and hopefully she laughed again later!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:10h, 12 October Reply

      A great story Candace! Funny how those situations can cause embarrassment. Glad you all could chat and laugh. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Janet from FL
    Posted at 19:42h, 12 October Reply

    Yeah this stuff happens more and more as we age, but it is harder to recognize people wearing a mask! At least you have that excuse.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:54h, 12 October Reply

      I agree. Wearing a mask can hide our faces and our expressions. I’m looking forward to the day we don’t have to wear masks. Have a blessed week Janet! 🙂

  • colarnold
    Posted at 23:58h, 12 October Reply

    It’s a gift to be able to laugh at our mistakes. Nobody ‘s perfect!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 11:57h, 13 October Reply

      You are right. Nobody is perfect. I’m thankful for laughter and the ability to laugh at my mistakes. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Lorrie D. Everitt
    Posted at 04:22h, 13 October Reply

    Yep. I’ve done it too. Sometimes I forget I’m not the only one that embarrasses myself. I’ve actually seen someone on the east coast and confused them with someone on the west coast. I guess miles don’t matter. Happy Monday Melissa.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 11:58h, 13 October Reply

      Yes, Lorrie, I think everyone has embarrassing moments. I’m glad I can laugh at my mistakes. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Invisibly Me
    Posted at 09:48h, 13 October Reply

    That’s an easy mistake to make 😆 I think I’d confuse everyone at the moment with masks on too, and if I moved as much as you have in recent years I’d never keep track! I’m glad you’re finding the new forever home to be a joyful place. I know it’s early days still since August but I hope it’s a supportive, warm and welcoming area to live in. We were hoping to move before the pandemic struck but it’s such a big thing for my folks. Honestly, I’ve never seen someone stress as much as my dad does when moving, it’s not healthy. When I hear of others like you moving like this it gives me hope that yes, it is indeed possible without bursting blood vessels!

    I hope you can let go of any embarrassment from this incident. I’m sure the other lady has had a similar thing happen at least one before herself and she won’t think anything else of it. xx

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:00h, 13 October Reply

      I was embarrassed at the time, but, now, I can definitely find the humor in the situation. God gives us many opportunities for laughter and joy. Yes, our new home is wonderful. The neighbors have welcomed us with open arms. We are very happy. I’m praying for you and your family. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 17:26h, 13 October Reply

    This has happened to me many times. At least with the mask now a days, we can use that as an excuse for our error. What time I grabbed a man’s arm thinking it was my husband. It was not him.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:45h, 13 October Reply

      Oh my! Grabbing a man’s arm and finding out it wasn’t your husband must have been quite a shock! We all make mistakes. I’m glad we can laugh about the mistakes. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 17:58h, 15 October Reply

    The older I get, the more and more of those moments I’m having. Those senses of embarrassment and confusion are things we need to accept as we grow older, but I still don’t like this aspect of this phase of life one bit.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 18:08h, 15 October Reply

      I use those “forgetful” moments as an opportunity for laughter. My mother always had a saying. When she would forget things, she would say, “My files cabinets are full. I can’t put anything else in my brain.” 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 19:41h, 15 October Reply

    Melissa, I so enjoyed this vignette from your life. I’ve had those times where I thought someone was someone else. And it was embarrassing to be on that side of things. Thankfully, God does have ways of reminding me of His grace, even when I make a mistake like that. Being able to laugh it off is a blessing. 🙂

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:46h, 15 October Reply

      Thank you Jeanne. God loves to give me opportunities to laugh at myself. I’m thankful the lady was kind and gracious. She laughed, too. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • debwilson2
    Posted at 02:03h, 22 October Reply

    Melissa, I remember running into our bank teller at a women’s event. I saw her regularly, but out of context I couldn’t remember her name for a few moments. Then I realized who she was. She said she understood. But I felt foolish for not recognizing her.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:46h, 22 October Reply

      I was good at remember names in the past. But, now I have to think about names when I meet some people, especially if I don’t see them often. 🙂 These things happen. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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