Two birthdays, One mistake

Zackary Johnson has a birthday coming up in a few days so it wasn't odd to have an envelope addressed to him show up in the mail last week.

His mom, Glenda, pulled it from the mailbox and noticed immediately that it was spelled "Zachary " Johnson . She didn't find that unusual because many people spell Zackary's name incorrectly. (Her husband Steve insisted they spell his name with a "K" because "you know we’re going to call him Zack!")

She looked at the sender’s pre-printed label with some confusion. That name didn't match up to anyone of her acquaintances.

"Hey Hon,” she inquired of her husband, "Do you recognize this name?"

"Nope," Steve responded and became somewhat concerned.

Still, they agreed to present the envelope to their son to see what was in it and his reaction.

Zack opened it to find $20 tucked in a birthday card that said "Happy Birthday Zachary!” He was excited. Boy, howdy, he was ready to go shopping!

However, the unease increased for Glenda. The card was unsigned.

Something was amiss. She spent the next day looking at the envelope and wondering why a stranger would send money to her son and how he would know it was Zacks birthday. A variety of scenarios can go through parents’ minds, especially when they hear stories about internet predators and stalkers. Glenda and her husband knew they would have to make some inquiries not only to give them peace, but also to protect their son, if the situation required.

There was an immediate and strange twist when Glenda's dad was apprised of the situation.

"I know who that fellow is!” he told her, "He is an old farmer that lives out on Hillberry Road."

They quickly hopped in their car and drove out into the country. The house was well marked and they found it easily. Unfortunately, no one was home. Steve decided, rather than leave a note on the door, to get a telephone number and dial him. He left a brief but urgent message that the call be returned as soon as possible.

The next day the old farmer called.

The farmers great grandson, Zachary Johnson, had recently moved with his parents to Heavenly Drive. That’s the street where Zackary Johnson lives with his parents. The farmer looked in the phone book and found a listing under S. Johnson on Heavenly Drive. That was the name and the street that he was seeking. He was sure suprised by the turn of events. He figured he'd have to send another card.

But, Zackary Johnson, who is turning eleven-years old in a few days did the right thing.

He and his parents made their way down Heavenly Drive to the home of Zachary Johnson who is turning four-years old in a few days.

They delivered Zachary’s great grandfathers card with the twenty-dollars. Plus, Zackary Johnson wished Zachary Johnson a very Happy Birthday.