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
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
Sleeve Surprise
On a cool summer morning, I chose my outfit for the day. Cream colored jeans, white pullover shirt, and a lime green button up shirt to complete my look. Heart necklace around neck, step counter fastened on my wrist, socks and shoes on. I was ready to participate in a virtual writers conference and then, attend a neighborhood ladies luncheon.
All was going well. There was a bit of time before the events began, so I decided to complete some chores. Wash a few dishes, put away some clean laundry, and answer emails.
Yes, this day was going great. I was ready to face the world virtually and physically.
Until…a few hours into the morning, I noticed a strange lump on my left wrist area. What in the world?
You may have guessed this, as many people have experienced similar situations.
As I reached into my sleeve, I pulled out a ball of material. Yikes! A pair of underpants! How could this have happened?
I had been wearing this outfit all morning and never felt anything unusual.
Then… I paused and remembered.
The past few days had been stressful. A good kind of stress. Lots of writing and speaking opportunities. Decisions had to be made about each opportunity. My mind had become focused on the worry of the moment. Should I write this article? Should I work on my novel? Perhaps I should stop writing for a week. Maybe I need to make a list of things to do before attempting any of those things.
Pausing, breathing slower and slower, I looked at the strange sight that came out of my sleeve. I laughed out loud. A good hearty laugh. The kind of laugh that makes your belly shake.
Then…I thanked the Lord.
With all my worrying about tomorrow and my to-do lists, I had forgotten to go to Him for comfort.
The Lord has a wonderful sense of humor and often sends me the silliest messages. Sometimes those messages are found through a surprise in my sleeve.
I’m thankful that I didn’t find the “surprise” while I was at the ladies luncheon.
That discovery could have made for interesting conversation.
Thank You Lord, for constantly reminding me of Your love and glory. Thank You Lord for giving me the giggles.
Have you found any surprises in your sleeves lately? Or surprises in other places?
Blessings, giggles, joy, and prayers,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
The Missing Pieces
A small pair of binoculars sits in my desk drawer.The dark green color on the binoculars has faded over the years to a greenish brown tone. I take them out of the drawer from time to time and look for wildlife. Eagles, hawks, egrets, herons and of course, hummingbirds. A thick black strap is attached to each side, making ease of wearing them around my neck.
The strap shows signs of age as frayed pieces of fabric escape to the floor when I touch the binoculars. Tiny strands that were once strong now are soft and fall apart easily. As the torn pieces escape in the air, they remind me of dust floating aimlessly.
I wonder if now is the time to replace the binoculars with a new pair.
Deciding to hold on to them for a while longer, I attempt once more to place the worn holder around my neck. OOPS! The string releases from the side. I quickly grasp the binoculars preventing a crash on the hardwood floor.
The once strong holder is now at the weakest point and cannot bear the load any longer.
Perhaps there can be a repair. Surely, that would cost less than a brand new pair of binoculars. I begin to closely study the place where the tear happened. Pieces are missing. Little pieces that will need a magnifying glass to find. On hands and knees, I search the floor. A flashlight, a magnifying glass, and determination to find the three tiny missing links.
Frustration sets in. Nothing is found. Well…only a piece of cracker that somehow made it’s way to the floor. Wait, when did I eat a cracker? Moving on.
Alan searches for the missing pieces, too. Nothing else is found. We give up.
No repair. We’ll have to buy a new pair online.
Time comes to vacuum. If those pieces are on the floor, the vacuum will find them. No. Nothing is recovered. The missing links have completely disappeared.
We say we’ll never know what happened and why we can’t find three little items on the floor.
Life goes on. We walk on the floor every day.
Then…it happened. Grandson Rowan visits. He walks across the carpet and says, “Mimi, what’s on my foot?”
Yes, there on the bottom of his foot are the missing pieces. How did this happen? We are thankful there were no sharp pieces and no injury. They stuck to his foot like stickers.
Three little pieces to a binocular strap and they were found by a three year old boy.
We laugh. We thank Rowan. Alan finds his special tools for small things and begins a repair process. All is well.
I look for God’s message in this situation. I remember God wants us to go to Him for all things. Big pieces and little pieces of our lives. Did I remember to pray and ask for help in finding the missing pieces? No. I tried to solve the problem on my own and it didn’t work. God allowed Rowan to find the lost items. An innocent child to remind me of what is important in life.
Don’t worry. Take our “missing pieces” and worries to God. He will guide us through every moment. Something like a small pair of binoculars and their torn strap can bring a lesson of faith and patience and joy.
Thank You God, for bringing joy to life.
Do you have any “missing pieces” in your life? Have you taken your worries to Him?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa