It’s now XMAS Eve and for many of us with depression and anxiety it’s a very difficult time of the year.
Earlier today I flashed on a holiday memory that I wish to share with everyone...
I grew up way back in a fairly conservative suburb. I was born into and raised by a Jewish family. Our city was quite noticably anti-Semitic. That was especially difficult. We celebrated Hanukkah while the majority celebrated XMAS.
As a child in school I was bullied a lot for being Jewish. Children can be cruel especially those from anti-Semetic families. It hurt so much going to school and being called a dirty Jew especially around the Holidays.
I was one of a very small portion of Jewish children at my elementary school. 52 years ago in December 1967, my third grade teacher Miss Haddad brought a XMAS tree into the classroom and had us all decorate it. There were three Jewish children in our class: Debbie, Jonathan, and yours truly, Michael.
Several of the other children frowned upon us Jewish kids while we helped decorate the tree. After the decorations were up, Miss Haddad passed a card to each of us students. On the card we were told to write our name and under that what we wanted for XMAS. As I recall, the girls all wanted dolls and the boys wanted something sports related. I wanted a Tonka truck. Then one by one we hung our cards on the tree. In all, there were about 30 cards placed on the tree.
A few days later before we broke for XMAS vacation, it was time for recess. I chose to lag behind because I was curious what the other children wrote on their cards that they placed on the tree. I was correct, the girls wanted dolls and the boys wanted boy toys.
Then I came upon a card that absolutely stunned me that I will never ever forget. It was Dennis Iverson’s and what he wanted for XMAS: “I want to wish Debbie, Jonathan and Michael a Happy Hanukkah.” I was so moved because there was a Christian child out there who didn’t judge and exhibited such caring and kindness to children of another faith. That is the first miracle I ever experienced.
I think of and share this moment because this and other small miracles helps to get me through the Holidays.
And Dennis Iverson wherever you are today, thank you from the bottom of my heart and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Best,
MZ
xx 
My birthday 
Starting to pull myself up
Seasons greetings ❤️
