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

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