OCAL: "recovery from mental illness" support consumers of mental health services, advocate for the improvement of area mental health services.

A touching story

Last week, I took my grandchildren to a restaurant. My six-year-old grandson
asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good,

God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Nana

gets us ice cream for dessert and liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman
remark, "That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know

how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my grandson burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is
God mad at me?"
As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was

certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked

at my grandson and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a
great prayer."

"Really?" my grandson asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then, in a

theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started
this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream

is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my grandchildren ice cream at the end of the meal. My grandson
stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest
of my life.

He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in
front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you.

Shove it up your ass, you grouchy old bitch! "

The End

OCAL: "recovery from mental illness" support consumers of mental health services, advocate for the improvement of area mental health services.