December 24, 2015
Recently when I wished someone a Merry Christmas, I was reminded that I should be careful and not offend someone. I could not help but think about my neighbor that I had when I was growing up.
Renata had a numeric tattoo on the inside of her left arm. This tattoo was from was from her time in a Nazi concentration camp. I couldn't help but think if anyone had the right to be very sensitive to the religious nuances in our society it was my neighbor. While I was growing up we always wished them a Merry Christmas and she would respond back with Happy Chanukah, neither of us choose to be offended by this exchange and in fact the warmth that we shared in this exchange was very much appreciated by both side. I have looked back at this exchange several time in the years that have passed and I now understand that I do not have to be ashamed of my Christian heritage especially this time of year. So in the spirit of the season and with every warmth I wish all my neighbors a very Merry Christmas and a happy and joyous new year.
Yours in service,
Chuck Bradford,
Mayor - City of Mantorville
MantorvilleMayor@Gmail.Com
MayorBradford.BlogSpot.com
