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

Maw Maw or Mimi?

Granddaughter Eden will be two years old in a few months. She has a personality that makes our family break out into laughter every day. Eden is learning many things from big brother Rowan. She watches his every move and truly believes she can accomplish anything Rowan attempts.

The young ones in our family have called me “Mimi” for many years. Peyton, our great-niece who is sixteen years old now, was the first one to give me that special name. When she was beginning to speak, she chose to call me “Mimi”. My heart melted every time Peyton called for her “Mimi”. Then, Paige, who is now fourteen years old, was born. She also calls me by that precious name. Next, was Ryder, who is eight years old. I am “Mimi” to him, too.
Every time they say, “Mimi”, my smile gets bigger and my heart fills with joy.
Ashley and Daniel, who are Momma and Daddy to Peyton, Paige, and Ryder, call me by that special name, too.

Fast forward and Rowan was born to our son Mike and daughter-in-love Christine. Rowan began calling me “Mimi” as soon as he could talk.
He is now five years old and I continue to be his “Mimi”.

Eden has listened to Rowan say my name. “Mimi, watch me. Mimi, look at this. Mimi, can you play?” As Eden has heard Rowan and others call for me, she has created her own way of getting my attention.
“Maw Maw”. Yes, a new name. I’ve tried several times to show her how to say “Mimi”. But, I have been “Maw Maw” for a while now. I love her reaction as she calls for “Maw Maw” and then giggles.

Recently, Rowan and Eden were here for a visit. Eden said, “Maw Maw.” Rowan quickly told her that I am “Mimi”.
Eden looked at me and gave a huge grin. “Mimi. Mimi.”

Eden knows how to say “Mimi”. She has been using her own way of calling me and that is fine.
If Eden continues to call me “Maw Maw”, I will answer. Or if she changes to “Mimi”, I will answer.

Special names are ways of showing love. God knows each name of His children. He calls us by name. My most special name is “child of God”.

Do you have a special name? Do you know the meaning of your name? Melissa means “honeybee”.

Whatever name the children give me, I will always answer. I will always be ready to play and to listen. My arms are always ready for hugs and snuggles. My lap is always ready for resting.
God has blessed Alan and me with a wonderful family. By the way, Alan is called “Uncy” and “Bop”. Rowan gave Alan the name Bop. Of course, Eden changed the name to “Bop Bop”.

Alan and I are happy to be called by various names. We will always answer.

Father, thank You for calling us by name. Thank You for loving Your children. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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39 Comments
  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 07:22h, 04 August Reply

    “Mimi”, “Maw Maw”, “Memaw”, “Mamaw”, “Merme” (what I called my grandmother of French descent), or “Granny” all describe the same person who is endeared to their grandchildren in both similar and unique ways. How precious is little Miss Eden for recognizing her unique relationship to both you and Mr. Alan. Even though she and little Rowan are both grandchildren, each holds a special place in your heart, as each are loved in both common and unique ways. So what is that “same person” described in whatever moniker that assign to their precious grandmother? It’s “L-O-V-E” and we all know who the Creator of that is. Thank you for blessing me with a wonderful heart hug this morning Ms. Melissa. If it’s okay, you’ll always be “Mimi” to me also, because whenever I hear that word, I think of you and smile. God’s blessings ma’am.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:45h, 04 August Reply

      Thank you dear friend. Yes, I’ll always be “Mimi”. Eden is beginning to say “Mimi” more often. Whatever she calls me, I will answer. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 07:49h, 04 August Reply

    Such a sweet story! You will always be Mimi to me too, lol. And isn’t it wonderful that God knows our names when we call to Him, whether as God, Jesus, Papa, Holy Spirit, Lord, etc. The important thing is that He always answers when we call. Blessings and hugs, dear friend.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:47h, 04 August Reply

      Thank you dear Karen. I agree with you. God knows our names and He always answers when we call. Have a blessed day Hugs! 🙂

  • joanneviola
    Posted at 10:35h, 04 August Reply

    This post made me smile in the best of ways this morning. I, too, am Mimi to our 3 girls. About 2-3 weeks ago, our youngest granddaughter (3 1/2 YO) informed me that I am “Mimi” but I am really a grandmother but I am her Mimi. Eliza is trying to figure out all the family relationships and what the names mean. It’s precious as Eden has chosen her own name. I am so very grateful that He knows our names and more so, that whenever we call on Him as God, Father, Healer, Provider, Prince of Peace, or Savior, He responds to us.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:59h, 09 August Reply

      Thank you Joanne. Rowan has also been telling me that I am his “Mimi” but I am his grandma who is an author. haha! I love how the young ones figure out relationships. So sweet. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Savoring Sixty and Beyond
    Posted at 11:38h, 04 August Reply

    Sweet story! Funny thing is, I am called Mimi by some of my grandchildren and Sweeta by other grandchildren ~ hearing their voices call me either name always brings a big smile to my face, and I love both names dearly. I have always had some sort of nickname growing up and those names are precious to me as well. My name means “late summer” or “harvester”. I think God has this same situation in His life by being called various names and I bet they bring a big smile to His face as well! We are in good company aren’t we?

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:48h, 04 August Reply

      Thank you so much. I love the name “Sweeta”, too. How precious! I believe God smiles when we call Him. Have a blessed day! 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 01:01h, 09 August Reply

      I love “Sweeta”. I have not heard that one before now. Grandchildren are wonderful. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 12:39h, 04 August Reply

    I’ve always just been called “Grandma” and that is okay. No matter what we are called, we are God’s masterpieces, aren’t we? I love your message here, Melissa. Thank you!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:49h, 04 August Reply

      Thank you Lynn. Yes, we are God’s masterpieces and He calls us by name. We are His children. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 13:15h, 04 August Reply

    I love when children come up with their own names for grandparents. When we were expecting our first grandchild, people asked us what we wanted to be called. I had no idea–I figured I’d see what our grandson came up with. We were Grandma and Granddad at first (I wish I had thought of Grandmom). But sometimes he says Gran or Gram, or most recently, Gramster. 🙂 Like you said, I’ll answer to whatever they want to call me.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:50h, 04 August Reply

      I agree. I’ll answer to whatever name is chosen. I’m happy to be called. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Janet from FL
    Posted at 16:30h, 04 August Reply

    So cute! It shows that sometimes a nickname is not just because the child can’t say your name, but because they want to call you a special name that only they use. Awesome!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:51h, 04 August Reply

      I love how children find special names for people. Each name is uniquely chosen. God calls us by name and that is special. Have a blessed day! 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting. 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 17:18h, 04 August Reply

    Such a lovely story about our names. I love that she wants to be her own person too.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:48h, 09 August Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. Yes, Eden is definitely a special granddaughter. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 17:40h, 04 August Reply

    What a special story. Melissa, you are so blessed with your precious grand children. Mine always called me Grandma. For some crazy reason, after my daughter had kids, she calls me Granny!!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:49h, 09 August Reply

      Thank you June. I love how we are given unique names by our loved ones. I’m thankful to be named by the Father. I am His daughter. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 18:15h, 04 August Reply

    Such a sweet account of the intimacy wrapped up in a name!

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 18:22h, 04 August Reply

    I loved this, Melissa. What a gift to be called by a nickname. It sounds like Eden likes doing things on her terms, and maybe, sometimes to be a little different from everyone. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:51h, 09 August Reply

      Yes, Eden is definitely has her own personality. So sweet! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Kimberly
    Posted at 22:32h, 04 August Reply

    How sweet.:)
    The only nicknames I have are various versions of my actual name and then usually only spoken by family. My dad and husband often call me Kimber.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:58h, 09 August Reply

      I love that your dad and husband call you Kimber. That’s so sweet! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 06:34h, 05 August Reply

    I love the stories you share. Each story reveals the humor, kindness, and affection that exists between you and your grandchildren. Grandchildren are one of God’s greatest gifts. ❤️ Our youngest grandchild is only 7 months old. Her mother is Thai, and so she is teaching baby girl how to call us the Thai names for paternal grandparents. The words are soft and beautiful, and it will be fun when baby girl is able to say them.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:53h, 09 August Reply

      How sweet that the words are soft and beautiful. You are right. Grandchildren are one of God’s greatest gifts. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 15:22h, 05 August Reply

    So sweet!! When I was little, we called my great-grandma “Bubba.” It cracks me up to think of this proper lady (called Ethel by others!) answering to this, but she did and loved it. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:54h, 09 August Reply

      That is so special! “Bubba”. I love the names little ones give to others. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Colleen
    Posted at 02:18h, 06 August Reply

    As always, Melissa, I love this post. My grandson calls me Nana – but I would answer to anything for him 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:54h, 09 August Reply

      Thank you so much. I agree with you, I would answer to anything. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 00:20h, 07 August Reply

    Precious article, Melissa. Like you, I am Mimi to my grandchildren. My husband is Pop Pop. And it melts my heart to be called, Mimi.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:55h, 09 August Reply

      Thank you Karen. Alan is called Bop. So precious to be called sweet names. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 12:01h, 11 August Reply

    Who cares the exact name, as long as our little relatives know we love them and call for us. Thank you, Melissa.

  • Paula Short
    Posted at 22:51h, 24 August Reply

    This is so sweet, such a treasure. My adult daughters aren’t married yet, so I’m not a MiMi yet. Blessings.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:36h, 25 August Reply

      Thank you Paula. I love being a “Mimi” or “MawMaw”. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • lynnalicegmailcom
    Posted at 19:31h, 26 October Reply

    We are Yankee transplants to Kentucky and have 8 wonderful grand-kids. 5 are from Kentucky and 3 from Wisconsin. My wife is a Kentucky girl and I’m a Badger. She was not fond of the title “MeeMaw” so hoped our 5 KY grand-kids would not call her that. No such luck. They quickly latched on to MeeMaw while our WI grand-kids call her Minga. Now the KY kids have also adopted the name Minga and use both. Alice and I dearly love them no matter what they call her.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:39h, 27 October Reply

      How interesting that children are the ones who actually choose the names they call us. Minga is a name I have not heard about. Yes, I agree. We will answer to whatever name the grandkids choose to call us. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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