Micah Hedrick | Photo by Wayne Mayer
Feb. 21. By Wayne Mayer. Now that’s a smile and a wave as wide as the sky over Lake Norman.
His name is Micah Hedrick, son of Michael and Geneva Hedrick, and twin brother to Caleb Hedrick.
This well-spoken young man of 18 can be found seated across from Robbins Park on West Catawba several afternoons a week.
About eight months ago Micah started waving to 18-wheelers passing by and they replied with a blast of their air horns. Micah soon learned it works with cars, too.
Asked why he does it Micah said: “It makes me happy and I think it also makes them happy.”
If you’re on West Catawba and you see Micah and you want to see him smile and wave, just beep your horn.
He is carrying on a tradition started by Mike Knox some 30 years ago. Known as the “Waving Man,” he waves to cars as they pass by his home on North Main opposite the Food Lion.
Thank you both for making Cornelius a nicer place to live.
—Mayer, a former New Yorker, lives in Vineyard Point with his wife Linda. They have three children and five grandchildren. Mayer is a professional pianist and vocalist.
This kid is awesome! Micah is sprinkling a little joy to everyone driving by!
Way to go Micah!
OMG we live in Vineyard Point just moved in August from Miami …we love this young man!! My whole family waves to him and ALWAYS makes us smile!! So very happy to put a face with a name! A big Thank You to him!
I agree…Thanks
I ride by there almost everyday an I love seeing g him out there now that I k ow his name. He’ll get a horn blow an name yell out. He’s such a sweet guy.
I absolutely love Micah!! I used to ride my white small scooter past him, and I think he liked my scooter. I’d love to give him that scooter, if that’s ok with his parents! Nowadays I am on my bike, and he is friendly as ever, even though I am usually on the other side of the road! I had the opportunity to meet Micah at the QT a while back and I recognized him immediately!! He is such an amazing asset to Cornelius. I wish we had more people like Micah in this world. He truly always makes me smile, and I am sorta sad when he isn’t there and I can’t wave to him! Micah and people like Micah make the world go round!!!
Hi Brenda, I’m Micah’s mom, Geneva. I wanted to thank you for your wonderful comments and generous offer! Micah is the sweetest and always finds a way to connect with people everywhere he goes. He actually started a job as a delivery driver for Hungry Howies last week and would love to use all the great tips he has been getting to buy the scooter if you still have it available 😊
I’m so happy to know the details about Micah! I ride by multiple times a day, and his smile and wave really make my day! Thank you Micah!
Way to go brother I wave to him everyday he’s my neighbor I live down the street every time I go pick up my son from JW my son always gets happy and tells me Daddy honk your horn LOL he makes our day.
Anytime Gail thank you for making me smile every day.
We ride by Micah all the time, but never knew who he was. Nice to put a name with such a friendly face. Keep smiling and waving!
Thanks Adriene thank you for what you are doing.
I am glad to know My icah’s story! He is true gem. I love when I see him in ‘his spot’! Brings a smile to my face. Keep it up, Micah!
He is such a ray of sunshine!👍🥰
I appreciate knowing Micah’s story & purpose. I pass Micah many times a week … a honk & wave makes both of us haPpY.
Continue making a difference, Micah!
My husband and I live at kings point. We beep and wave to him every time we pass him on Catawba avenue. I was hoping someone would do a story on him.
Love this youngmans smile and wave…I beep wave and yell….WE NEED MORE YOUNG ADULTS LIKE HIME
white Ford F250. Every day about 4:30-5 I start honking about a block away. You don’t know how this makes our day! I’m not sure who gets more enjoyment out of it….me or you?
Jim you are probably one of the most hilarious people i see every day. I just love how you make me smile every day honking a block away. I bet you have a lot of fun doing that.
Love passing by him! So glad to see him so happy all the time, we can all learn from Micah❤️
I wave to him in my Truck with the American flag off back, he also waves when he sees me even not at his post
Micah is our Grandson, he is such a sweet young man ♥️♥️♥️
I see Micah a couple of times a week on my way to/from Jetton Park. I make a point to wave to him because I enjoy seeing his smile.
I always wave and Honk! Great guy. I’m glad to know his name. Thanks for writing this article.
Hello everyone this is Micah I am excited to share the news with you that i got a job at hungry howies deleivering great pizza so I won’t be out waiving and smiling as often but order a pizza and I will get it too you fast and with a smile!.
I stopped by and talked Micah a few weeks ago as I was leaving Robbins Park after playing pickleball. He was interested in knowing more about the game. I happened to have 2 paddles, so we dinked a few balls in his driveway. I told him to drop by the courts around 2:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and he could watch us play, and if there was an open court, I would show him how to play. I hope he takes me up on my offer.
I see Micah at least twice a day if not more.Me & my wife make it a point to honk n wave at Micah everytime we pass..Thanks Micah!!
“Micah” you are loved by many. Keep on smiling and waving son as you make everyones day so much brighter. What an awesome impact you have made to old & young!!!
Bobbie, I want to be like you when I grow up! And I’m already 78!
Good for you.
We Ride by Often and wave when we Don’t see him we look for Him. X
Glad to learn of his story
When I used to live in northwest NJ there was an older gentleman who sat in front of his house every afternoon during rush hour and waved to passers by. (Except in Winter) He was known as Wavin’ Willie and brought a smile to many a commuters face as they neared the end of their trip home. He passed about a decade or so ago. The State Park behind his home named a trail after him; The Wavin’Willie Trail’.
Trails in that park can be walked, traversed on horseback, or biked. I have biked on that trail and it is NOT for the faint of heart. Super steep climbs, wicked descents, and lots of rock features. Anyone from there misses Willie.
This young man is doing well and if I see him I will absolutely give him an encouraging horn blast.
Great story. Thank you for posting.
I’m so happy to read this little article. I beep every time I drive by him! He exudes joy, & I appreciate his constant smile.
Micah for Mayor!
What an awesome article! I think I’ve been waving since day one! Micah, it makes my day when you’re sitting outside on my way to work at crafty!! Keep being awesome :)
Much love, Mackenzie
(The bald girl who drives the green subaru with all the stickers)
I drive by all the time in the bright red focus!! I ALWAYS LAY
lay on the horn for you. I love seeing you out there. Our family emailed and giggles when we see you. Thanks for making it a brighter day always!
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS ARTICLE! He makes my day every time I see him out there!