Denise J. Halberstadt (Ehrlich)

Della, or as I called her Deena, was my best friend and teacher.  We were friends from the time I moved two doors away from her when we were eight years old.  We were together in elementary school, Severance Millikin and then Monticello Jr. High.  I remember her helping me with my math at all hours of the day and night.  She was my spiritual leader.  But most important, Deena drilled and drilled into me the concept of being optimistic and positive.  To this very day, when I get stuck in a situation, I still hear her calling out to me to remember these concepts. But most important, Deena requested that everyone should do the following:  if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.  Denise Halberstadt-Ehrlich