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 Welcome Turkey and a Thank You

“Please arrive at the hospital at 5:30 pm for your scheduled scan. Please bring identification, insurance card, and a list of medications you are currently taking.”

I have memorized these requirements because of having numerous trips to the doctor and scanning areas of the hospital. Recently, I needed to have my 4th scan for the month completed. Doctors had alerted me of the need for repeat scans in one area of my body.

As Alan and I found a parking spot in the hospital parking lot, we noticed an unusual amount of empty spaces. My medical appointments are usually during office hours, but this one was scheduled after the doctor’s office had closed for the day.

Alan parked the car. Exiting the vehicle, I proceeded to the same door where I always enter the building. The sliding door was locked. No signs alerted me to any reason why the door was not open.

There was no one standing at the entrance to give me directions. However, there was something there at the door.

A turkey. A wild turkey walked from bush to bush around the front door. This animal poked its head in the bushes and retrieved leaves and berries, or at least that was my impression of what the turkey was doing. No sounds. No running toward me to chase me from the area. Just a turkey taking a walk and looking for a snack.

I noticed two ladies walking toward their cars. “Excuse me. Do you work here? I have to get a scan and the door is locked.”

The ladies smiled and one answered. “Yes, the hospital doors are always locked after 4:00 p.m. You’ll have to enter the building through the emergency room.”

I thanked the ladies for the information. I inquired if they always have a turkey near the door. They laughed and mentioned seeing turkeys in the parking lot every day.

Walking back to the car, I laughed at how God provided that “welcome turkey” to give me laughter while I was worrying about the upcoming scan.

“Thank You, Lord,” I spoke aloud.

After finding the correct entrance to the scan area, I entered the building, checked in with the receptionist, and found a seat. While waiting, I silently prayed for everyone in the emergency room.

The door to the radiology department opened and a woman spoke with a loud voice. “Henderson!”

I jumped out of my chair and returned her shout with a friendly smile and cheerful voice.

“Hello. That’s me!”

The technician paused, looked at me, and said, “Thank you so much. My last patient was so grouchy and complained about everything. But when I called your name, you answered with a smile and a friendly hello.”

I listened as the woman continued to share the gripes of the previous patient. During the conversation, I thanked her for being there and for taking good care of me during the scan. She said that no one ever thanks her.

With the procedure over, I spoke words of encouragement. “I hope you have a good evening and a better day tomorrow.” Then, I shared the story of the welcome turkey and we laughed.

We may never know what another person is experiencing in life. I was concerned about the results of my scan. The patient before me could have been filled with worry and fear.

I’m thankful to God for having “a welcome turkey” at the hospital door. I’m thankful to have shared a smile with a stranger and hopefully, brighten their day.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5 NIV)

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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18 Comments
  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 15:37h, 10 March Reply

    Isn’t it funny how God can take one of his creatures to encourage us? What a great story. Hope all is well, Melissa. God bless!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 17:19h, 10 March Reply

      Thank you Nancy. The next lung scan is scheduled for June. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 18:16h, 10 March Reply

    Melissa, thank you for sharing this encouraging message. Isn’t it just like our loving Father to send a turkey (or some other sign) to give us joy and relief from worry? I know your bright smile and kind comments brightened the technician’s day. Hope all is well.

  • June Foster
    Posted at 18:17h, 10 March Reply

    I love your story about the turkey who stood at the front door to great you. How special you thought of other people instead of your own concerns. I totally understand how scans and procedures are scary. Joe has his next cystoscopy this month. Praying for good health for you.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:53h, 10 March Reply

      Thank you dear June. I’m praying Joe has good results with his next cystoscopy. Praying for you, too. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 19:36h, 10 March Reply

    How kind of our Father to send a turkey to brighten your day and send you to brighten the technician’s day.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:54h, 10 March Reply

      Amen. I love how the Father sends us messages to brighten the day and also, helps us to brighten the day of others. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 00:07h, 12 March Reply

    The welcoming turkey is so funny. And love this thought, “We may never know what another person is experiencing in life.” I try to keep this in mind at stores and restaurants, etc.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:18h, 12 March Reply

      Thank you Karen. We are all experiencing something, whether good or bad. A smile and cheerful attitude can truly help. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 02:54h, 12 March Reply

    A wild turkey “welcome” in a parking lot? You won’t see that in my neighbourhood! lol! What a blessing your kind words were to the medical technician. Thank you for the reminder to be kind and welcoming, even to those who may make us uncomfortable during a medical procedure!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:19h, 12 March Reply

      Thank you Lynn. We have turkeys, alligators, lizards, and more here in the Lowcountry of SC. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 22:39h, 13 March Reply

    I LOVE how you found the humor in the welcome turkey and used it (and your smile!) to encourage another. Bless you!!!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:14h, 13 March Reply

      Thank you Jessica. God uses many things, including turkeys, to make us smile. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 02:57h, 14 March Reply

    The welcome turkey is the best! I love how you turn all sorts of situations in a time to thank God, to be filled with joy, and to show kindness to others. There need to be many more like you, Melissa. You are a blessing! I hope your scan showed good results.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:24h, 14 March Reply

      You have made me smile this morning. Thank you for your kind words. Melinda, you inspire me. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 07:32h, 15 March Reply

    Isn’t God so good to provide not only a funny distraction from your scan, but also something funny to share with the technician? It’s by giving of ourselves to others that we receive blessings back. You are a blessing indeed, dear Mimi! Prayers that your scan brings you a good report. xoxo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:39h, 15 March Reply

      Thank you Karen. You are such a sweet blessing in my life. I’ll have another scan in June. Doctors will compare scans to see if there has been any change in my lungs. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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