.
“Nanna’s gone to heaven,” mother explained.
“Can I phone her?”
“No, dear, but you can speak to her in your prayers.”
That night, when all was quiet, he crept out of bed, picked up the phone and pushed the button saying, “Nanna”.
“The number you have reached is no longer in service.”
Not deterred, he typed his nanna’s name by looking at the letters.
A man answered, “Hello?”
“God, I knew you’d answer. Can you tell my nanna I love her.”
The child’s sadness touched the heart of the stranger, “I’ll be sure to let her know.”
“Thank you, God.”
He returned to bed assured nanna knew he loved her.
Ross's Writing Blog 
beckyp
October 2, 2011 at 09:01
what a sweet post This reminds me ofthe Seinfeld episode where Elaine gets a new number and the boy calls looking for his nanna Great job
Ross Mannell
October 2, 2011 at 09:09
Thanks for the very quick comment.
I wasn’t aware of that Seinfeld episode but I can see the comparison. 🙂
Karen S.
October 2, 2011 at 09:56
Oh that poor little sweetheart…but very nicely written and heart-warming!
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:20
Thanks for the comment.
I liked the idea of a kind stranger touched by the sadness of a child’s voice. 🙂
Nonna Beach
October 2, 2011 at 11:02
Oh, how precious this is…very well written and true to life !!!
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:22
Thanks for the comment.
The storyline is one I believed could happen. 🙂
southernmemoirs
October 2, 2011 at 11:54
I want to cry. This was so touching!~Ames
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:27
Thanks for the comment.
Children find ways to cope with situations within the limits of their experience. 🙂
Judie
October 2, 2011 at 12:03
There are still kind people in the world. What a gift he gave that little child!
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:28
Thanks for the comment.
I would hope many would try to help a child in need. 🙂
Alison at Mommy is a Power Ranger
October 2, 2011 at 12:05
This was a beautiful post. It made me tear up a little. I love how you used the prompt.
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:30
Thanks for the comment.
I was aiming at a touching storyline in this story. 🙂
Beth
October 2, 2011 at 16:41
Great take on prompt. Brings tears of saddness and tears of joy both. Very heart felt. Love it!
Blessings
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:34
Thanks for the comment.
We sometimes need to see hope spring from sadness. 🙂
grannysueo3Sue
October 3, 2011 at 03:27
This is so moving. Loved it.
=)
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:37
Thanks for the comment.
cj Schlottman
October 3, 2011 at 08:17
This is wonderfully sweet. Is it true? My husband died in June, 2009. Now, two years later, his great grandson who was only a year old at the time, calls his Poppy frequently on his toy phone. His end of the conversations often goes like his, “How you feelin’, Poppy? Abigail hit me yesterday and got in trouble. We had brownies today. I love you, Poppy. Bye.”
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:39
Thanks for the comment,
A number of times over the years I have seen little children do as the boy did in the story. True or the imagination of a child, they find comfort in the experience. 🙂
Dazee
October 3, 2011 at 10:52
Thanks alot. You just made me cry. How wonderful for that little child to have reached someone that wasn’t a jerk. well done.
Ross Mannell
October 4, 2011 at 20:40
Thanks for the comment.
When thinking of the idea for the story, I considered what I might do in such a situation where a child randomly called me. I would hope I would react as the stranger did in the story.
The Cello Strings
October 4, 2011 at 03:13
what a lovely story, love will always pass…
Ross Mannell
October 16, 2011 at 13:37
Thanks for the comment and sorry for not replying earlier but I missed the comment somehow.
I liked the idea of an anonymous kind stranger reassuring a young child.
Jenny Matlock
October 16, 2011 at 10:06
Ross, this was beautiful.
It really touched me.
The kindness of strangers always makes me feel the world is still a good place.
Really beautiful writing here.
I need to go find a kleenex now.
Ross Mannell
October 16, 2011 at 13:38
Thanks for the comment.
With all the dangers in the world and the warning about strangers, I targeted the idea that thee is still much goodness in the world. 🙂