I resolve to seek kindness, hope and promise

As I ponder my seven decades of life on the cusp of a new year just days away I feel the responsibility to bestow wisdom and knowledge befitting someone of my years and experiences. My resolutions should inspire passion and dedication to future generations. If anything I have learned the older I get the less I know. My grandchildren live in fear I will take up Twitter. I try to calm their concern by pointing out our President-elect does it. That instigates an eye-roll.

As a young adult I was determined to help 'save the world” and ' make love not war.” If you want to know how that worked for me you'll have to wait until the book is published. Those who know me you can breathe easy - I didn't use your real names. The more New Years that pass the more things in life tend to recycle both good and bad.

So to the matter at hand: My Community Resolution for 2017.

This resolution is a rather selfish one of mine. The year 2017 we must pursue equality and understanding for all citizens, and not just for a brief moment when we hold hands in silence following a tragedy. My sincere goal to change the status quo. We must embrace the multitude of benefits our community will experience if we are able to let go of past harmful opinions we hold of various groups.

Recently, I photographed a sporting event. I usually take some photos of spectators when I do. Later, when I was editing the photos, I was moved by what I saw: The student fans at a local high school gathered together laughing, cheering and smiling, the moment forever frozen in time. Examples of our diverse community unified in the joy of their high school ballgame. Side by side were young people male and female, of every ethnicity - a reflection of our future. In their faces you can see innocence, hope, kindness and promise for the future. This image was more profound than anything I could ever say as an older adult.

When life provides an environment where all are allowed to reach their full potential without barriers this moment grows and grows into a community of unlimited success and progress.

The teenagers in the photo will never realize they were the inspiration for this resolution, but I will forever appreciate that they were.

Linda Seger

Cedar Rapids