Mistaken Identity or “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
Moving from one house to another is quite the task. Alan and I have moved numerous times in our over 41 years of marriage. Job changes have caused most of those moves. From living in apartments to townhouses to building our dream home to finally believing this latest move is our “forever home”, we follow the idea of “finding joy wherever God sends us”.
Since moving from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago, we have lived in three homes. Each of those three homes is located in the same area, just different sections. When we first arrived in SC, we didn’t know the area, so we rented a nice townhouse instead of buying. The neighbors on that street are some of the best people we’ve ever met. The ladies still gather for special occasions and if someone has a need, the “Draymohr Girls” are there to help and pray.
With that home no longer for rent, we searched and found another townhouse just a few streets away from the first one. Once again, God provided great neighbors who show care and compassion for everyone. We often see neighbors from both places at the local grocery stores. We’re able to visit and catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of these special friends.
This year, 2020, we finally made the decision to purchase a home. This is our favorite neighborhood and we wanted to stay. Our search began and in just a short time, we found a home to purchase. Offer made, offer accepted, closing date set, movers scheduled and we began packing up the boxes.
Alan and I have lived in this new “forever” home since the middle of August. The neighborhood is filled with families of all ages. What a blessing to hear the laughter of children and to watch families taking walks together. This is a wonderful place. We thank God for providing this home and the friendly people who have welcomed us with open arms.
With all the moving from one place to another, I had an embarrassing moment (or two). Alan and I went to the local home improvement store to look at storm doors. Of course, there is always something else to check out at the home improvement store.
As we walked to the checkout line, a nice lady, wearing a mask, said, “Hi, where have you been? I talked to you one day and the next day, you were gone.”
Recently, we had been invited to share refreshments and fellowship at a new neighbor’s home. (Social distancing, of course.) When I saw the lady at the checkout counter, my mind immediately thought that she was one of the new neighbors.
I began trying to get the right words out, without embarrassing her. “Oh, remember, we visited with you at the neighbors house. Remember, we live near you?” I kept referring to the new neighbors. The nice lady gave me an odd look, although I could only see her eyes and forehead due to the mask.
I kept attempting to explain who we were and how we knew each other.
All of a sudden, Alan placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and shaking his head, he said, “No, dear. That’s not her. That’s a friend from the other place.”
My embarrassment began to show as my face turned red and my mask became sweaty.
Apologizing, I began sharing about the new neighbors and how we had moved in August. My words rambled and rambled.
Our friend from the other neighborhood just laughed and said, “No problem. I understand.” We continued with conversation and laughter.
For a few days afterwards, I still felt embarrassed when I thought of my mistake. Then, I took my worry to God.
God reminded me there was no need for embarrassment. We all make mistakes and sometimes, we can laugh at those mistakes.
A true “Mimi” moment. Thank You God, for covering me with Your love.
Have you ever had an experience with “mistaken identity”? What was the outcome?
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
The Leaning Bed of Henderson
A recent move from a rented townhouse to purchasing our own home involved many “to do” lists. Alan and I chose to rent a home when we moved from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago. After renting two beautiful townhomes in two years, we finally made the decision to purchase in the same neighborhood.
We put an offer on the home, it was accepted, and with papers signed, our new home was ready. Packing boxes, placing items for sale and giving items away happened almost daily. Donations to various organizations and friends helped those boxes become lighter.
Most of our furniture had been with us for years. Our dark cherry wood bedroom set reminded us of the Virginia mountainside. Although we have lived at the beach and the mountains, we’ve always had dark wood furniture.
This time, we decided that one day we would purchase “beach” furniture. That day would have to wait for now, but we could hope and dream about a headboard and nightstands, dresser and chest of drawers that looks more like a beach theme. A lighter color or maybe white furniture would be something to consider. Add that to the “to do” list.
God works in the most amazing ways. Two nights at the new home and all was well. We were settling in nicely and enjoying the new surroundings.
As I prepared for sleep by washing my face, putting on comfy pajamas and waiting for Alan to turn off the lights and t.v. in the living room, I prepared to get under the covers.
Situating myself on the side of the bed, I heard and felt a sudden sharp movement and sound.
“Crack!”
The connecting slats on my side of the bed had ripped away from the headboard. The bed now slanted at a strange angle and I slid off the side.
Immediately, I began laughing. Thinking about how God gives me the most funny and unusual experiences, I couldn’t stop laughing. Standing and looking at this lopsided bed made me think of all the stress of packing and moving and how amidst all that stress, God provided laughter.
“Alan, did you hear that? I broke the bed!” I shared while walking to the living room.
“No, I didn’t hear a thing. What happened?” He asked.
After explaining the situation and both of us laughing, we had to decide how to sleep. Alan decided the “leaning bed of Henderson” would work for him. He suggested I sleep on the guest bed.
Picture this. This six foot tall man slept on a leaning bed all night while I rested in a nice guest room bed. Yes, I do believe he probably almost rolled off the bed a few times, but he wouldn’t admit that.
This past weekend, we finally ordered a new bed frame. A nice beach theme. For now, the mattress and box springs are on the floor. The new bed won’t arrive until October.
In the middle of moving stresses, God reminded me once again how laughter can be found in the everyday moments of life. A broken bed provided laughter and the necessity to add “buy new bed” to the list of things to do “immediately”.
Thank You Lord. You always remind me of Your love and protection. You give laughter and joy even in the midst of unpacking boxes and checking off “to do” lists.
Have you ever broken a piece of furniture? Is there a funny story? Share with us.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa
The Falling Toad
My morning routine includes opening my eyes and saying “Good morning God. Thank You for this glorious day and all Your blessings.” Before my feet touch the floor, I am thanking God.
Once I am dressed and ready for the day, I head for the front door.
Opening the door, I view the beauty outside and feel the early morning temperature. Once again, I say, “Thank You God, for this glorious day and all Your blessings.”
This simple routine starts my day with comfort and peace.
On a recent morning, things took a different turn. Placing my hand on the doorknob and twisting to open, I heard a slight “thud”. The humidity sometimes causes the door to “stick” a little so I thought that was probably the reason for the odd sound.
No! As I opened the door, a gray toad fell from the top of the door into the foyer.
My scream was probably loud enough to wake the neighbors. Luckily, no one came out to see what happened. Maybe my scream wasn’t as loud as I imagined.
There sat a gray toad in the foyer.
“Alan, come quickly. There’s a toad in the house! Help! How do I get him out of here?”
Alan replied while sitting in his chair in the living room. “What did you say? A toad? Where? How did it get in the house?”
“No time to explain. Get him out before he starts hopping around.” I didn’t want to see that toad jump and hide behind furniture where we couldn’t find him. All sorts of scenarios played in my mind.
Walking to the foyer without any speed or worry, my dear husband asked, “Where is it? Where’s the toad?” I explained that the toad was right there in front of him.
My superhero husband used a floor duster to scoot the little toad back outside. I think the fall must have stunned the toad. The toad sure stunned me.
My peaceful morning blessings were interrupted by a gray toad and laughter. Well, laughter once the toad was back outside.
I am not afraid of all creatures. I just don’t like when they interrupt my peaceful morning and try to come into the house.
Come to think of it, that toad probably thought I interrupted his quiet morning routine.
Silly toad. Stay outside. Please don’t linger on the front door. I am thankful it didn’t fall on my head. If that had happened, you would have heard me screaming all the way to your house, wherever you live.
This silly experience gave me time to pause and consider how easily I can be distracted from sharing time with God. What began as a peaceful morning giving praise to God, turned into a few moments of fright and frustration.
I’m glad the toad was put back outside and that I could continue saying, “Thank You God, for this glorious day and all Your blessings.”
Have a blessed day, and watch out for falling toads,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Toad photo courtesy of Pixabay
“Did you open the garage door?”
Alan is working at home due to the coronavirus. The dining room table is his office. We have a room designated as my home office, so I have all my writing materials together in that room.
On a recent morning, I was upstairs and heard the garage door open and close quickly.
I called out to Alan, “Were you just in the garage? Is everything okay?”
I was hoping he did not see an unwanted creature in the garage. I pictured Alan standing in the garage, seeing a snake trying to come inside and then, Alan pressing the button to close the garage door as quickly as possible. All sorts of scenes were playing out in my mind.
Perhaps he was oiling the garage door chain, maybe he accidentally opened the door and hit the button to lower it again.
His answer came. “No, I wasn’t in the garage. I’m sitting here at the dining room table.”
My reply. “Did you hear the garage door open and close?”
The look on Alan’s face was priceless as I walked downstairs and saw him sitting at the table.
“What are you talking about? The door didn’t open. I didn’t hear anything.”
Well, I almost asked if he had his hearing aids turned off, but decided against inquiring about that.
“Okay. It must have been my imagination. I thought for sure I heard the door open and close.”
I was still confused and wanted to find the answer.
Taking a break from writing, I sat on the couch to watch some “mindless trivia” as we call some t.v. shows. Right as I found a comfy spot, the garage door opened and closed again.
“There! Did you hear it that time? That was the garage door opening and closing again. I knew I wasn’t imagining things!”
My heart raced as Alan went to the door leading outside to the garage. He checked the switch plate and the garage door for anything out of the ordinary. Everything looked good. Nothing strange. No reason why the door would open and close without us using the clicker or the wall switch.
We discussed calling a repair person and imagined how the conversation would go.
Something like, “Yes, we have a garage door that opens and closes by itself.” Can you imagine the person on the other end of that call? They would probably think we were a bit strange.
Back in the foyer, Alan asked if I knew anything about the white vehicle in front of the house. I did not have any information. We considered maybe someone was visiting a neighbor.
About the time we had considered various options as to why the door was opening and closing, Alan received a text on his phone.
The rental company representative of the home we rent had stopped by and brought an extra garage door opener for us. She didn’t think we were home and so she tried the opener several times and left it on a table on our front porch.
Mystery solved. Alan and I laughed and laughed. Then, I had to send a message to the nice lady explaining how she had given us the giggles and a true mystery with her actions.
Again, I thanked God for giving us laughter and joy. Amidst all the turmoil going on in the world, God provided something simple that caused us to pause and laugh.
Remember our family motto. “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Have you ever been in a funny situation? Share with us.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
“Mimi…do you see that?
Grandson Rowan and I recently enjoyed a quiet chat on the front porch at his home. He is two years old and has great conversations skills. We had brought toy cars outside and were racing them up and down the railings. “Let’s vroom!” He would shout. “Okay. Let’s vroom!” I answered. He stood behind a chair and asked me to come stand behind the chair, too. “Welcome to our car show!” He announced. I repeated his words.
Approaching the railing on the side of the porch, Rowan asked if I could climb up. I pretended to lift my foot on the bottom of the rail.
Looking at the sky, Rowan pointed and said, “Mimi…do you see that? That’s clouds. That’s rain.” My heart filled with joy as he began listing things for me to see and hear.
“Mimi, do you hear that? Birds singing. They are in the trees. Mimi, do you see those flowers? Mimi, do you see the bushes and the trees?”
The quiet conversation between Rowan and his Mimi. My heart filled with so much joy that tears moistened my eyes. The innocence of a little boy. The excitement of seeing clouds, listening to birds singing, showing me the flowers. What a blessing to be his Mimi!
I couldn’t wait to share with the family about this special time. A conversation I will always remember.
The chat ended with giggles when Rowan looked at the side of the neighbor’s home, grinned and pointed to the water spigot. “Mimi, I can’t play with the hose.”
Trying not to bust out laughing, I understood what he was talking about. Not too long ago, I believe I heard how he liked to point the water hose at his parents and spray them. Or maybe that was my imagination. Either way, he grinned while telling me about not being able to play with the hose.
A special bonding time, lots of giggles and a chance to play “Vroom” with toy cars, pretend to have a car show, listen to birds singing, watch for clouds and rain and best of all, receive hugs from sweet Rowan.
These are simple joys. Times I noted in my journal. Memories I hope to share with Rowan when he is older. I imagine us laughing and sharing more special conversations in the future.
In this time of crisis and stress, I will look for ways to find joy. Sharing time with family is one of the best ways.
Thank you God for giving us ways to find joy.
Can you share some ways you are finding joy? Let us know in the comments.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi
Oops!! Wrong place…at the right time…
Beautiful scenery from the shore to the hills. Redbuds waking from winter sleep. Yellow daffodils standing tall in fields. Blue birds and wrens flying from fence post to tree limb. Mountain views in the distance. Traveling from home to a writers conference filled my eyes with interesting sights along the way. Alan drove and I was in charge of the map, the phone and the printed directions. ( I like to be prepared for any circumstance involving directions).
We left home on Thursday and headed for a writing conference. The hotel had been booked months ago. Suitcases were packed, snack bags filled with pretzels, crackers, trail mix and of course, chocolate. Water and bottled tea were placed in the cool pack. Toiletries packed. Jackets placed on the back seat of the car, just in case the weather was cooler. (Yes, the temperatures were cooler and we were thankful for jackets).
A few stops along the way to stretch our legs and visit the local rest area. The 5 hours trip went very well. The directions were followed and we arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon.
“Ah, there’s the hotel. I’ll be glad to unpack and rest a bit before the conference.”
Alan drove the car to the front door of the hotel. I gathered empty snack bags and prepared to throw them in the hotel trash can outside the main door.
Car turned off, doors opened, we stood and stretched. I threw the trash away.
We walked to the main entrance of the hotel, the sliding glass doors opened and I looked at the next building.
“Oops! We’re at the wrong hotel. Our hotel is the next one.”
We had stayed at the same hotel last year so we should have remembered. Of course, traveling over 300 miles can make any person tired. Mistakes are easily made.
Alan and I laughed and shared how we were glad we didn’t go inside and try to register at the front desk. There would not have been a room in our name.
We went back to the car, drove to the next parking lot and started over.
Interesting conversation with the lady who checked us in at the correct hotel. She grew up in the same neighborhood area where I lived as a young girl. That was in Virginia and now we live in South Carolina. We shared a nice chat. I wondered if God had us arrive at a particular time to share fellowship with this young woman. The odds of meeting someone from the same neighborhood was very small.
We did not share with her how we went to the wrong hotel first. God had a plan for us to meet her and yes, His plan is always best.
The conversation brought joy to us and joy to her, recalling special memories of times gone by.
Can you think of a time when you were in the wrong place at the right time? Share your story.
Have a blessed week,
Mimi
Crossing Into the New Year
Happy New Year! Wishes for good health and happiness have been posted online, stated out loud, written in cards and letters and displayed on signs in stores. Smiles and handshakes are given to friends, family and strangers. For a few days before the new year begins and a few days after the new year begins, people show extra friendliness and compassion as we all “cross” into the new year.
Calendars are displayed with new appointments, activities, birth dates, anniversaries and more. Planners and “to do” lists fill my dining room table as I prepare to “cross” over from one calendar year to the next.
On a bright, sunny, breezy morning, Alan and I wanted to take a walk and enjoy scenery of the local waterfront park. After arriving at the waterfront, finding a parking place, bundling up (because ocean air is always more breezy than in town), we held hands and began walking to the end of the pier. Along the way, we could hear the laughter of children and adults playing in the great playground. Swings and slides, climbing area and plenty of benches for the adults to rest and watch the young ones playing.
The pier was filled with other walkers, joggers and people casting fishing lines into the water. This pier is long and allows for wonderful viewing of the harbor, barges passing by, tug boats, the occasional cruise ship and my favorite, dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
Above this pier is a huge bridge which is famous for its design. The bridge leaves Mount Pleasant and crosses into Charleston. As I stood and watched the many interesting sights in the water, my eyes were led to the bridge. The sounds of vehicles crossing from one area to the next reminded me of how we were preparing to “cross into the new year”. This bridge is equipped with safety features and inspections to keep travelers safe.
How are we equipped to cross over into the new year? Are we placing God first in our lives or are we too worried about our “to do” lists to make time for Him? Staring at the huge bridge, I began wondering about the people crossing from one city to the next. Where were they going? Family event, work, doctor appointment, shopping, tourist attraction? Wherever their destination, they trusted the bridge to be safe and sound.
I pray we will put our trust and faith in God as He leads us to “cross over” into the new year.
On a side note, as Alan and I stared at the bridge, we both commented how thankful we are for the people who inspect the bridges. “I sure wouldn’t want to be up that high in the air.” No need to worry. God is in charge. He equips us all with different gifts and bridge climbing is a gift someone else enjoys. 🙂
Have a blessed “cross into the new year”. God loves you and He is with you always.
Blessings,
Mimi
The Day I Apologized to A Dead Worm
Sharing time with grandson Rowan brings joy to Alan and me. Rowan is two years old and full of love and laughter. Everything is a new adventure to him. From running in the backyard to chasing Olive, the Boston Terrier, to giving hugs, Rowan is a precious boy. His interest in everything brings chances for discussion and learning.
On a recent Saturday evening, Rowan’s parents went out for a date night. Bop and Mimi (Alan and Melissa) arrived at their home to play with Rowan while his parents were away for a few hours. After saying goodbye to Mommy and Daddy, we dumped colorful blocks on the floor, arranged dinosaurs in a row on the table, read books aloud and we all enjoyed playing chase and building forts with blankets and couch cushions. A two years old never slows down until bedtime.
Pointing his finger toward the front door, Rowan stated, “Let’s go outside. Let’s go walk.” Gathering our shoes from the closet, Bop and Mimi and Rowan readied for a short walk in the neighborhood. Fall has arrived and many homes displayed decorations. Rowan knows where all the fun pumpkins and spiders and bats are located. We walked and talked as he pointed to stop signs and cars and dogs barking.
At one point, Rowan stopped in his tracks and asked, “Mimi, do you hear that? It’s the birds.” I smiled and listening to the birds singing as they perched in trees and on telephone pole wires.
Another time, Rowan paused, turned his face upward and asked Bop to hold him. We had walked a long way. Everyone was tired.
Turning to head back home, a burst of energy found this two years old and he was ready to walk again.
We walked with a slower pace this time. He pointed out more interesting sights. Flowers, more dogs, more pumpkins and more birds.
The walk halted quickly and he looked at the sidewalk. I wondered what had happened.
“Mimi, you stepped on the worm. Mimi, say sorry to wormy.” I did not notice the dead worms on the sidewalk. I was busy watching this precious boy and how he enjoyed everything he saw.
After he told me again to tell wormy I was sorry, I did what Mimi’s do. I apologized to the dead worm.
“Wormy, I am so sorry.” Looking at the flattened dead worm that had probably been there all day, I felt the need to follow Rowan’s request and say I was sorry.
Apology over, the walk continued. We arrived home and all was well.
Rowan helped us remember to enjoy simple things in life. Taking a walk in the neighborhood, listening to birds singing, enjoying fall decorations, noticing stop signs and yes, watching for dead worms on the sidewalk.
Thank you Rowan. You make us so happy.
Mimi and Bop love you very much.
Have you paused and enjoyed the sights and sounds around you? What have you noticed lately? Share with us.
Blessings,
Mimi
One way to tell you are exhausted…
“Hello, Hello. Hi Mike, it’s Mom.” Not sure why but I always feel the need to announce myself when I call family and friends. The phone clearly displays my name when I make a phone call to our son. Yet, every time I call him, I feel the need to say “Hello, It’s Mom” or something similar.
“Just calling to check in and let you know I’m enjoying the writer’s conference. How are you all?” I wanted to contact Mike, Christine and Rowan to let them know the conference was going great. All was well and I wanted to check in and say hello.
The wonderful conference was the North Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference presented by Serious Writer. Informative classes, inspiring speakers, great workshops, meeting with agents, editors and industry specialists and also, eating delicious food was part of each day of the event.
New friendships, new contacts and a huge collection of business cards are some of the treats of the conference.
The event was filled with fantastic activities from morning to night. Taking notes and learning from presenters were huge blessings.
Yet, at the end of the day, I was exhausted. A good kind of exhausted. My mind was filled with many exciting memories. Thoughts of the event kept running through my mind.
After the conference ended, Alan was waiting in the car to take me back to the hotel. A good night’s rest was needed so I would be refreshed for the next day.
I couldn’t wait to call Mike, Christine and Rowan and share my excitement.
Our son answered the phone and we chatted. Alan drove and I shared with Mike about the day and all the fun.
A momentary pause. I looked down at the floor of the car to make sure I had remembered my briefcase, notebook and bottle of water.
Wait! Wait! Where was my phone? Oh, no!!! Could I have forgotten my phone?
A frantic sound escaped my mouth. “Alan, Alan, where’s my phone?”
My sweet husband looked at me with the strangest expression on his face.
“Dear, do you mean the phone you are holding to your ear and talking on?” Alan’s grin turned into a huge smile.
“Mom, oh my gosh! I think you need to go to bed and get some rest.” Mike had a slight chuckle in his voice.
Silly Mimi. I was so exhausted that I didn’t even realize I was using the phone I was trying to locate.
Folks, that is some serious “exhaustion”.
Once I recognized my mistake and agreed I was exhausted, we decided to end the phone conversation and talk again later.
Lots of laughter from Alan and me. I bet Mike was laughing at his Mom, too.
When you are exhausted, do you look to God for help? Do you try to do everything on your own? Remember His help is always available for you. Just ask.
Also, remember to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi
Do I See What I Think I See?
“Quick. Alan, look! What is that strange looking thing? Could it be a dangerous creature?” My voice quivered as I began imagining all the possibilities.
Looking out of the window by our front door, I was shocked to see an unknown “something” sitting in the pine straw by the sidewalk. Quickly, I ran to the kitchen to find binoculars. Racing back to the window, I stared while adjusting the view.
I was too close to the item for binoculars to work properly. No matter how much I adjusted the dials, I could not clearly focus on the unknown “something”.
“Do you think it’s a snake curled up or maybe a different kind of mushroom?” I asked Alan.
Deciding to gather the shovel and some brave thoughts, Alan headed out of the garage door and made his way to the front of the house. Shovel in hand just in case he needed to chase something away or get rid of the thing in another way, he inched up on the light brown “something”.
Taking the shovel and preparing to take a little poke at whatever it was, Alan readied himself for possible interaction. I, of course, stayed inside and stared through the blinds.
Inch by inch, he walked closer, waiting to see what would happen.
A big smile spread across his face as he looked at me staring out of the window.
“Here’s your dangerous creature.” This man has tons of patience and I am thankful for his understanding of my silly thoughts.
Alan poked the “unknown” and it didn’t move. Lifting the light brown item onto the shovel, we both realized the true identity of the thing that had caused me worry.
The wind had blown strong in the morning and a light brown cracker wrapper had ended up in our pine straw.
No dangerous creature. No “unknown”. Just a simple wrapper for some crackers.
We are thankful there was no need for worry and that Alan didn’t have to dispose of anything dangerous. He did reach down, pick up the wrapper and place it in the trash can.
Another day in the life of the Henderson’s. You know our family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Henderson’s”. I love how God gives us funny situations to laugh about and to share with others.
Have your eyes ever deceived you? Have you thought you saw one thing only to find out there was actually something else in your sights?
Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him today and every day. God is with us always.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi