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

“Follow me, Bop. I will protect you.”

Grandson Rowan enjoys taking walks in the neighborhood. He notices every decoration. During October, he paused at each house and commented on the pumpkins, ghosts, witches and “Jack Bones” characters. If the blow up characters were not fully inflated, he told us (Bop and Mimi) that they were asleep.

Each morning and afternoon last week, Rowan and I took a leisurely stroll on our street. We paused at the pond and saw a baby alligator on the other side of the water. We laughed as turtles jumped in the water when we walked closer. Safety is always first, so we stay on the sidewalk, far away from the water.

From the moment the front door opened and we walked outside, Rowan began talking and sharing about everything he encountered. “Look, Mimi, that’s a cloud. Look, Mimi, that’s a truck. Look, Mimi, that’s a dog.” He shares his enthusiasm for life.

One house in the neighborhood had a life size witch standing by the front door. Her tall, pointy black hat and long green nose and pointy fingernails made for a scary sight.
Every time we passed by that house, Rowan said, “She won’t talk to us. Don’t be afraid.”
This decoration never made a sound when we walked by the house. Maybe things were different at night. Perhaps she made a scary sound.

Alan (Bop) arrived home from work early one day. Rowan wanted the three of us to take a walk. We started out on a nice slow walk, with Rowan explaining every decoration to Bop. “Look, Bop, that’s a pumpkin. Look, Bop, that’s a bones man. Look, Bop, that’s a ghost.” Once again, his enthusiasm was amazing.

The closer we came to the house with the witch, the slower Rowan walked. He stopped suddenly and turned to Alan. “Follow me, Bop. I will protect you.” Rowan slowly stepped, inch by inch, making sure Bop was following. I already knew about the witch, so I didn’t need protecting. 🙂
Rowan paused in front of the house and turned to us.
“See, she doesn’t talk. It’s pretend. But, I will protect you.”

We stood still for a few moments. Rowan shared how the wind had blown her hat away. He also told us not to be afraid.

Then, as most 3 year olds tend to do, he began walking again and found interest in the next house and decorations.

Every moment with Rowan brings surprises and delights. This walk reminded me how God has told us not to be afraid. God tells us He will protect us.

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” NIV

No need to be afraid. When troubles or fear arises in life, look to our protector. God is the answer.

Have a glorious day and know you are loved and cherished.

Blessings,
Melissa aka Mimi

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43 Comments
  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 21:56h, 03 November Reply

    Such a precious story and lesson. Thank you for sharing!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:03h, 03 November Reply

      Thank you Kimberly. We can learn a lot from the young ones. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 22:10h, 03 November Reply

    Such a sweet and tender story! I can remember our children saying precious things like that. Thank you for sharing these little family moments and helping us see God’s love through each one. May we rest in God’s protection, for in HIs hands, we have no reason to fear.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:18h, 03 November Reply

      Thank you Melissa. I love how God allows the young ones to teach us valuable lessons. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 22:31h, 03 November Reply

    Your story warmed my heart. Just what I needed to hear on election day! I love the stories about your sweet grandson.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:44h, 03 November Reply

      Thank you June. Rowan always gives us fun stories to share. He is amazing. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • michellekaderlywelsh
    Posted at 22:39h, 03 November Reply

    Rowan is SO cute! I love hearing about his excitement and how he views the world. Children really help us to slow down and see the world in new ways. I love how he wants to protect Bop. It’s great how you tied in how God protects us that way too. Thanks for the burst of sunshine this election day.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:45h, 03 November Reply

      Thank you Michelle. I am thankful for God’s protection. I am thankful God shows us His love through the heart of young ones like Rowan. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 23:47h, 03 November Reply

    Aw…Melissa, I loved this story. Rowan has such a kind heart. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. It’s exactly what we needed to hear today. Bless you and your lovely family. xo

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:52h, 04 November Reply

      Thank you Jill. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Rowan is very special. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 01:07h, 04 November Reply

    Rowan is precious.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:47h, 04 November Reply

      Thank you Gail. Yes, he is precious. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Candice Brown
    Posted at 14:36h, 04 November Reply

    My struggles during the past year have made child-like faith necessary. My guess is, your grandson’s bravado was impacted by your presence and what he’s been taught about God. May that childlike faith follow him to adulthood. Thanks for sharing!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:13h, 04 November Reply

      Thank you Candice. I’m praying for you. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • J.D. Wininger
    Posted at 15:14h, 04 November Reply

    I’ve got a little friend named Chance who sounds very much like Rowan. What a blessing it is to see life through younger eyes again. To watch their actions reveal the values they are developing; to hear the amazement in their voice as they discover new things. And of course, to hear their energy in their sometimes “mile a minute” musings. Oh what a wonderful peace your post delivers today “Mimi.” Thank you; and God’s blessings sweet friends. You and Mr. Alan always bring joy!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:35h, 04 November Reply

      What a great blessing to know you and Chance are friends! I am sure he is blessed by your friendship, as I am blessed by your friendship. Watching the young ones is truly amazing and fun. The innocence and the joy of the everyday moments can teach us all valuable lessons. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 17:27h, 04 November Reply

    What fun times. Enjoy!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:47h, 04 November Reply

      Thank you Diana. Yes, fun times! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 17:55h, 04 November Reply

    The lessons and reminders to not be fearful are everywhere! Thank you for sharing your fearless walk with Rowan!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:48h, 04 November Reply

      Thank you Lynn. Yes, lessons and reminders can be found in each moment. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 21:55h, 04 November Reply

    Your Rowan sounds like such a delightful child. I love that he thinks out loud and that he has such a protective heart. And, I really like that verse from Psalm 46. It’s always amazing when God uses children to remind us about unchanging truths about Himself. Thanks for sharing this!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:06h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you Jeanne. My husband and I are constantly amazed at Rowan’s compassion. Our son and daughter-in-love are showing him how to love others. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • colarnold
    Posted at 22:11h, 04 November Reply

    Yes, God will protect us! Thanks for the reminder in this sweet story. It’s also a great reminder of why God tells us to “become like children” — their eyes are open to God’s wonder and their hearts are open to others. Thank you!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:06h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you Col. Yes, “become like children”. We can learn so much from the younger ones. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 23:02h, 04 November Reply

    I hope your grandson grows up to be a writer. He has such a great imagination. And how I will think of this story next time I am afraid and I will remember that God is watching over me.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 00:07h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you for your kind words, Yvonne. Rowan is very sweet. Yes, God is always watching over us. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Karen Harrison
    Posted at 06:24h, 05 November Reply

    What a precious boy! I love his fearlessness and his desire to protect those he loves. Those are wonderful character qualities. He is growing into a courageous man of God, even at this tender age.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:25h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you Karen. Rowan is a very compassionate boy. We are very proud of him. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 14:43h, 05 November Reply

    I love this so much! “No need to be afraid. When troubles or fear arises in life, look to our protector. God is the answer.” Amen.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:47h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you Jessica. Amen. No need to be afraid. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 19:25h, 05 November Reply

    What a sweetheart! Already showing manly protectiveness toward those he loves. He’s a dear one!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 21:20h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you Melinda. Yes, he is a dear one. 🙂 Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 19:45h, 05 November Reply

    One of my granddaughters is three today. Such a magical age! Great story!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 21:21h, 05 November Reply

      Thank you Nancy. Happy Birthday to your granddaughter! I agree, a magical age. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Marcie Cramsey
    Posted at 10:19h, 07 November Reply

    We learn so much from children. What a special and memorable time with your grandson, 🙂

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:52h, 07 November Reply

      Thank you Marcie. Yes, we learn many wonderful lessons from children. Rowan teaches us a lot and gives us laughter and joy along the way. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 12:55h, 09 November Reply

    Melissa, I not only smiled a lot reading this post, but I also laughed out loud. How sweet and brave of Rowan to protect Bop and you. It does remind us of the Lord going before us and His protection over us.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:47h, 09 November Reply

      Thank you Karen. This was definitely a sweet moment as Rowan tried to protect us. He is so sweet. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 15:07h, 09 November Reply

    How this reminds me of my need to enter the kingdom of heaven as a child!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 17:29h, 09 November Reply

      Thank you Ava. Yes, I agree. We need to enter the kingdom of heaven as a child. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Crystal Byers
    Posted at 14:11h, 27 November Reply

    I love the innocent courage of three-year-olds. Sweet Rowan!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 20:35h, 28 November Reply

      Rowan is a wonderful and compassionate boy. We are very proud of him. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

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