By Carol Roper

I once read an article in a now defunct New York newspaper, about someone who’d died and left their entire estate to God.  Now possibly the story was “filler” for a slow news day, but maybe not.

As required by law the estate’s lawyers made diligent efforts to locate God who had no known address. Notices were posted in newspapers directing God to promptly contact the law firm. 

When after a decent waiting period God did not respond, the attorneys’ filed necessary probate documents with the court where the learned Judge after reviewing them passed his learned ruling: God did not live in in New York City.

The assets were assigned to the State of New York.

I can accurately respond that no one I knew was surprised or moved by the jurist’s pronouncement. The perils and challenges of the city were well-known yet dyed-in-the wool New Yorkers would rather lose a body part, and have, than move out of the city. The court’s ruling for many felt like a merit award. 

The city’s rats danced in the street, but that was every night.

Written by Carol Roper September 2026

Copyright Carol Roper 2026

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