By Pam Bloom

Dear Neighbor,

Nov. 5 has passed and I’m still me and we’re all still neighbors in spite of our differences. 

Recently, my very petite, almost 4-year-old granddaughter had her preschool classmates comment that she was short. Although often shy, her teachers told me she listened to her friends repeatedly say, “She’s short,” and then matter-of-factly replied, “I’m so much more than that.”

She is right. We’re all so much more than simplistic definitions. 

The election is over. We have a president-elect who has repeatedly said he demands loyalty to him above all. For many of us, that expected loyalty is in direct conflict with our American constitution. 

Like it or not, and no matter how you voted, many of our neighbors are afraid. How does that make you feel? How will you reach out a neighborly hand? 

How will we view ourselves as 2025 begins? Assuming everything will be OK isn’t always a wise decision. Hoping for the best may not be enough. Hope fulfilled depends upon actions taken. 

How will we act? Do we even know where to begin? Will we find the strength and time to join with our neighbors in positive ways to make our local community a better place? Will we maintain our values in the face of adversity as policies we disagree with are enacted? Will we amplify facts rather than misinformation? Will we find strength when we need it? 

For myself, I will continue to hold tight to my personal values every day, whether an election year or not. I will depend upon factual information to guide my reactions as 2025 unfolds and I see the impact of simplistic slogans turning into policy that will affect my neighbors, people I love and myself.  

Like my granddaughter, let us remember that we are so much more and find the resolve to continue to stand up and show up for our country and for our neighbors. 

“Dear Neighbor” authors are united in a belief that civility and passion can coexist. We believe curiosity and conversation make us a better community.