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

New Neighbor Giggles

“Hello! How are you today? Nice to meet you. Welcome to the neighborhood! Where did you live before moving to the Lowcountry?”
These are some of the questions often heard in our neighborhood. The area is filled with friendly folks. Some have lived in the area for a while and others have recently relocated from another state. The same conversations are shared as each person is welcomed into the community.
A variety of ages is one of the things that makes our neighborhood wonderful. From young couples with new babies to seniors who have retired, we are blessed with caring, compassionate friends.

Recently, Alan and I met a lovely couple while taking our evening walk. Greetings were exchanged and a delightful conversation started. Sharing about children, grandchildren, and reasons for moving, the chat continued with laughter and joy. We talked about how we would easily remember their names because the man has the same name as our son, Mike. The sweet lady, named Joanne, reminded us that her name is the same as a craft store.
When time came for Alan and me to proceed with our walk, we said goodbye. We looked forward to seeing the couple again soon.

Days later, Alan went to the grocery store. He returned and mentioned how he had seen the man we had recently met. “I saw the new guy. He was at the store. He said they are building a house and moving to another part of the state.”
My reaction was shock and disbelief. “Wow, they just moved here. Are you sure? Houses sure do sell fast around here. I didn’t know they were building a home. They are so nice. I’ll miss them when they move.”
We talked more about houses selling fast in the Lowcountry. Some homes in our area are under contract the day the house is placed on the “for sale” listing.
I hoped we could chat with the couple again soon, especially before they moved.

Friday evening, Alan and I went to the local big box store to shop for certain items. As we walked through the aisles, we noticed our new neighbors shopping.
“Hello, hello. How are you all today? Are you really moving?” A perplexed look appeared on their faces.

At that point, Alan began to share the rest of the story. He had not updated me on the mistake he had made. Perhaps he was a bit embarrassed, but now the truth would be revealed.

Alan spoke. “Hey, funny story. I went to the store the other day and saw a guy who looked just like you Mike. I approached him and introduced myself again, reminding him how we met the other day while walking. The guy nodded and said he remembered. I carried on a full conversation with the guy. He told me that they are building a house and moving.”

Later that same day, Alan had seen our neighbors driving by the house. The man, Mike, still had his mustache. The man Alan had chatted with at the grocery store did not have a mustache. Oops.
Alan had enjoyed a conversation with a stranger and the person never corrected Alan’s mistake.

I had to laugh out loud as I shared with our new friends that Alan never told me the rest of the story and about his error in talking with the wrong person. We all laughed and continued with a joyful visit right there in the aisle of the big box store.

I do need to share with our new friends about our family motto.
“It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.

Have you chatted with someone who wasn’t the person you thought you were talking to? A case of mistaken identity?
What happened when the mistake was revealed?

Lord, thank You for new friends. Thank You for laughter. May we all find joy in each day.
Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

36 Comments
  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 07:33h, 10 May Reply

    Too funny Ms. Melissa. I know have a name for when I do this, which is more often than perhaps I should admit as I’m “maturing.” The next time I do this, which could be later today when I go anywhere, I’m going to smile to myself and say, “You just pulled an Alan.” 🙂 Like your Mr. Alan, I’ll smile and extend myself a little grace and hope that I meet that new friend again one day. God’s blessings folks; I love that I always find great stories when I visit with you and your family.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 13:49h, 10 May Reply

      Thank you dear friend. There’s always something funny happening around here and we are thankful God provides the gift of laughter. Have a wonderful and blessed day! Say hello to Ms. Diane. 🙂

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 08:40h, 10 May Reply

    This is why I think we should all wear name tags! Great story, Melissa! Thanks for the giggles.❤️

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 13:50h, 10 May Reply

      Thank you Jill. Name tags are a great idea. haha! Sometimes we wear nametags at church. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 13:06h, 10 May Reply

    I love Jill’s idea that we all wear name tags! Great story, Melissa! God bless!

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 13:50h, 10 May Reply

      Me, too, Nancy. Nametags help. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jeannie Waters
    Posted at 13:35h, 10 May Reply

    I laughed as I enjoyed your story, Melissa. My family laughs about my striking up conversations with strangers. I meet the nicest, most interesting people that way. 😉

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:21h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you Jeannie. Yes, I talk with strangers, too. Everyone needs a smile and conversation. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 13:43h, 10 May Reply

    Oh how funny. I can’t remember cases of mistaken identity, though I am sure I experienced them. But I’ve had the opposite happen. Once we were in a restaurant and I saw a girl who had been on my hall in college. She was with her husband, whim she had dated during college–I recognized him, though I had not known him personally. I debated with myself whether I should go speak to them, would she think it rude if I didn’t, etc. I guess extroverts don’t have that problem. 🙂 They would have just strolled over without thinking twice. But I finally worked up the courage to go over–and she didn’t remember me at all. So it was all very awkward. I’m sure she was who I thought, because she had the right name, and she was very distinctive. Yet I was still glad I made the effort rather than not going over and chiding myself later.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 13:52h, 10 May Reply

      Thank you for sharing your story. I bet many people have wondered about approaching someone who looked familiar. Glad you worked up the courage to go over and say hello. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 14:09h, 10 May Reply

    Yes, I’ve done that more than once. I usually laugh and continue on with my day.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 11:16h, 11 May Reply

      Haha! Good to know we’re not the only ones who do things like this. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Janet from FL
    Posted at 15:35h, 10 May Reply

    It is so nice to have friendly neighbors!

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 11:16h, 11 May Reply

      I agree. We have a wonderful neighborhood. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 15:57h, 10 May Reply

    A friend once said, “If you can laugh about it later, laugh about it now.” I think your family has learned the value of that statement. Thank you for brightening our day.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 11:17h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you Diana. We have learned to laugh at ourselves. God gives us laughter and we are thankful. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • readywriterbr
    Posted at 18:17h, 10 May Reply

    Another funny story, on a day a laugh brightened my day.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 11:17h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you. Laughter is good for the soul. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 20:37h, 10 May Reply

    Sounds like something I would do!

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 11:18h, 11 May Reply

      Haha! Our family is filled with stories like this one. I’m glad God gives us the opportunity to laugh at our silly mistakes. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 22:18h, 10 May Reply

    I laughed out loud along with you as I read this post. I wish I could remember a time when I spoke with a stranger thinking they were someone else, but I can’t. Perhaps it’s my memory. Enjoyed your post.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 11:19h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you dear friend. There’s always something happening around here that makes us laugh at ourselves. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 14:50h, 11 May Reply

    This is so cute!! I have done this, I am sure. COVID masks, too, made it so hard to figure out who I was talking to!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:45h, 11 May Reply

      Haha! Yes, the COVID masks make it hard sometimes. But, this time, Alan and the guy weren’t wearing masks. Wonder what adventure we will have today? Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 04:41h, 12 May Reply

    Thank you for sharing giggles with me today, dear friend. That really is a funny story! My biggest challenge is remembering names when I meet my neighbors. Like you, we have a very friendly neighborhood!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:12h, 12 May Reply

      Thank you Karen. God always provides ways for us to laugh at ourselves. I imagine God was laughing, too, while watching the encounter. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 05:59h, 12 May Reply

    I love your stories, Melissa. I’d love to move to the Lowcountry simply to be one of your neighbors chatting with you after a walk!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:12h, 12 May Reply

      Thank you Melinda. I would love for you to move here so we could visit in person. 🙂 Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 14:23h, 12 May Reply

    I truly love the Henderson stories. I pray your family always looks back at these moments and smile. I love how you enjoy life in the small moments.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:23h, 12 May Reply

      Thank you so much for your kindness Yvonne. We are blessed with many wonderful experiences. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 11:41h, 19 May Reply

    I’m smiling, Melissa! I know we are look different, but your story reminds me that we are all the same, too. We are people made in the image of God.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 10:44h, 23 May Reply

      Thank you Lynn. Yes, we are all God’s children. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 21:59h, 19 May Reply

    Melissa, what a fun story. 🙂 When we first purchased our home in the late nineties, our neighborhood was really friendly. Then Uncle Sam moved us away for eight years, and we returned to a neighborhood where most people kept to themselves. You are blessed to live in a place where people step out and get to know each other. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 10:45h, 23 May Reply

      Thank you Jeanne. My husband and I truly enjoy this neighborhood. We are blessed with great people. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Christy B
    Posted at 22:58h, 19 May Reply

    Ohhhh that’s a good story! I remember when I was on a bus several years ago and tapped the shoulder of the person sitting ahead of me to say hi as I thought it was a boy from my class. Instead, the guy turned around and it obviously was not. Haha, mistaken identity strikes again 😉

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 10:46h, 23 May Reply

      Thank you Christy. Haha! Mistaken identity can come at any time. Have a blessed week! 🙂

Leave a Reply