Wrong Numbers Aren’t Always So Wrong

Every once in a while I hit a button wrong on my phone and end up calling a wrong number. After an unexpected hello on the other end, I realize my error fairly quickly and say “Oh. I’m sorry. I called the wrong number.” We hang up. No harm. Other times, I may be talking a bit before I realize the person on the other end is not whom I intended. Still, after the regular “I’m sorry” niceties, we hang up. Conversation over. No problem.

I bet it is the same for you. We’ve all been there. But have you ever had the rare experience of being glad you called a wrong number?

A few days ago I called a number, promptly stated my name, and asked the person who answered to please count me in for dinner. I soon learned that I wasn’t talking with Susie as expected. To my surprise, however, I was talking with her neighbor, Mary. I felt silly and expected Mary to say that she certainly was not expecting me for dinner.

However, Mary recognized my name. Then, she went on to inform me that she had just yesterday read my newest book, What Farm Boots are For, to the preschool class where she volunteered. Mary told me how her students enjoyed listening to the story and they even had fun doing the suggested activities after reading. She even added that she also enjoyed reading it to the class. Of course, I was not only surprised, I was so excited to hear about the experience of her class. Come to find out, I had met Mary a couple of weeks before at a Fall Festival where I was selling my books. I remembered talking with her and realized it as she described who she was. We continued a rather pleasant discussion.

What a delight it was to have this conversation: One that happened only because I mistakenly called the wrong number. Who knew that a wrong number could make your day?!

What about you? Have you ever had a memorable wrong number experience? Email me at caroljunefranks@junebugtales.com and share. I’d love to hear all about it!