Woman accidentally called stranger while trying to dial her daughter—20 years later, he turned up on her doorstep
Everyone has likely dialed the wrong number at some point in their lives. While we don't think much about it after hanging up, one man from Rhode Island used this opportunity to forge a lifelong friendship with an elderly woman. According to USA Today, Mike Moffitt, now 50 years old, was receiving numerous phone calls from a Florida phone number. Moffitt didn't recognize the person on the other end. It was an elderly lady named Gladys Hankerson, who was simply trying to reach her daughter living in Maryland.
But she repeatedly dialed the wrong area code and her call ended up connecting to Moffitt's number. At one point, Moffitt asked Hankerson's name and then they started chatting regularly. He shared on his Facebook page the heartwarming story of a dialing error that sparked an unusual friendship between Moffitt and Hankerson. Moffitt mentioned how Hankerson had continued talking to him over the phone for over 20 years. Moffitt fondly saved her number on his phone as the "Florida Lady."
She kept calling, saying, 'Oh my God, I have the wrong number,' and would hang up quickly. I finally stopped her before she hung up and said, 'Hey, if we're gonna talk like this, we might as well get to know each other.' We've talked every few months for the last 20 years in the most bizarre but normal way," the post mentioned. Then Moffitt decided to show up at Hankerson's doorstep to surprise her for Thanksgiving. He even brought flowers for the lady. "I didn't tell her I was coming, and her daughter walked me through the door. I announced, 'I'm Mike from Rhode Island!' and the first words out of her mouth were, 'I'm blessed!' There are incredible people in this world who are a wrong number phone call away," the post concluded.
He also elaborated on the story to Newsweek. "The story getting so much attention has got me thinking about why I kept in touch with Gladys for 20 years. I don't think I ever did it for any intentional reason but my dad did raise me to connect with people," Moffitt wrote to Newsweek. "I live in a small community in a small state and I went to a small college, so I like connecting with people and staying connected." Since his daughter had planned to join a college in Florida, he hoped to visit Hankerson more often. He also planned to introduce her to his family and friends.
"I'll definitely be reaching out more for holidays and Christmas because I can see how much it means to her. I understand Gladys appreciates our chats," Moffitt concluded. People who came across his Facebook post were delighted to see their friendship blossom. Ella M Whaley wrote, "Both of you are very special people! Reading this story made my day!" Adam Zobel remarked, "Absolutely love this. What a great reminder to slow down and connect!" James RN O'Rourke added, "What a great story! Thanks for sharing this! With all the noise around us, this is what we need more of! Great story my friend!"