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Holiday message: Wisdom comes with living life with dignity and joy The following comments were made by Massapequa Park Village Mayor James Altadonna at the Village's annual tree and Menorah lighting ceremony earlier this month. The tree was decorated in pink lights in honor of Massapequa Park youngster Jenna Devine who died this year after a valiant battle against cancer. Wisdom. We look to the old - the seasoned, our seniors, our veterans - those with long lives of experience. We look to them for wisdom. We look to them for life lessons. Tell us your stories, we ask them, tell us what you've learned. Help us live our lives. Help us cope with the mysteries, the questions, the decisions. Tell us how to live, how to be happy. Surely anyone who has survived decade after decade…..anyone who has lived through so many of life's challenges now understands their meaning. Surely those who have enjoyed long lives have this wisdom. This is true. Yet, wisdom is not reserved only for the old. Wisdom is not only earned by experience. The wisdom of life is in its living. How you live your life. No matter how long or how short. We are here today to celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and to commemorate one life that has ended much too short. We are here to celebrate the life of Jenna Devine. Jenna would have turned 15 this December, yet in her short time with us she earned the wisdom of youth - a precious wisdom she continues to share with us. Whether it was founded in the medical and physical challenges she endured or just through her unique spirit, Jenna brought to life an appreciation for living. She found joy in the "small" and the "everyday." She found courage in the friends and family who surrounded her with love. And in return she gave them - and gives us - this lesson of life: live every day with joy in your heart, and hope in your smile. As we pause today with our silent prayers and our words of encouragement, let us ask ourselves: how have we lived? Did we return a smile to someone? Did we add to someone's happiness? Did we help alleviate a burden? From a single young girl - who learned so much in so few years - a whole Village learned a single lesson. Live today fully. Sharing and caring. For your children, your friends, your neighbors and your community. Let the smile of her life be infectious to us this holiday season. Every time you look upon our Village Christmas tree, decorated in Jenna's beloved color of pink, think of a young girl - filled with the wisdom of knowing that life isn't measured in years. Take that smile inside you and find the joy that is this holiday season.
God's blessing on you, your loved ones, and our beloved Village.
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