The losses will mount FROM THE EDITOR

Moving on to another gentleman that I had a lovely conversation with while waiting for a boat to leave for deep-sea shing: He talked about working in the Denver metro area and along the Front Range, and said his wife, in law enforcement, works in another state.

He said given the current nature of politics in not just Colorado, but all over the U.S., he and his wife will likely be living in another country in the next few years.

Again, a well-established couple who works hard and contributes positively to our country — does not want to be here anymore.

Look at our own legislature in Colorado. With the 2023 session ending on May 8, the day this column was written, the Democratic majority waited until the very last minute to even consider addressing the property tax issue. Let’s face it — it was not exactly a secret. So – focusing on left-leaning priorities and ghting with the Republicans the majority of the session did nothing to help local families want to stay here. In fact, in my neighborhood I’ve had plenty of discussions with moms who say when school is out — so are they.

Good families are leaving our state for another state. Young couples are saying they do not even want to be in our country anymore.

While these are quiet conversations I have had on a trip or in picking my kids up from school — the sentiments are loud and I am willing to bet a lot of families and residents are getting fed up. And, as they move away, so will the sensible voters lawmakers might need in the next big election.

elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Receiving and giving light and love

Do you have people that you get to see often, maybe daily, weekly, or monthly, and whenever you do have the opportunity to meet with them, they always seem joyful bringing light and love to the atmosphere? Some of us are truly blessed to have a few of these bright and cheerful people in our lives, making us feel better whenever we are together.

Some of the folks who bring me such great joy whenever we meet, speak, or even text seem to know exactly when to reach out as there are times I am facing a challenge, a tight deadline, or just trying to keep up with the pace of the race. eir intuition is uncanny, as they either just show up, call, or send me a really funny text message, bringing some much-needed light and love to my day, or even in the moment.

As I have traveled quite a bit in my career, one of my favorite pastimes is people watching. Is that something you enjoy as well? And I love it when perfect strangers become the light and the love for me. Watching a group of people or a family laughing out loud as they share jokes and stories. I was watching this one family as I waited to board my ight and they were traveling with their grandfather. I couldn’t

ERIN ADDENBROOKE

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AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com hear what was said, but they all started laughing hysterically, and the grandfather was laughing so hard with huge belly laughs and tears streaming down his face, I started laughing just watching him laugh so hard and I didn’t even know what I was laughing about.

When it comes to people watching, I have several other scenarios that always bring a smile to my face and warm my heart; watching parents being really attentive to their children instead of being buried in their phone, couples holding hands as they sit or walk together, strangers stepping up to help another traveler should they have dropped something or needed help in some other way, my fellow travelers greeting each other, the airline sta and ight crew with the courtesy they deserve, and so many other acts of being the light, love and kindness in this world.

Being on the receiving end of someone showing up for me as the light and love in my life feels so awesome. It doesn’t matter if it’s a family member, friend, co-worker, or perfect stranger, all that matters is that I am open to seeing it, hearing it, or experiencing it, and allowing that light and love to move inside of me. Receiving the light and love is one thing, but do we recognize our obligation to be the light and love for others, even when we don’t know that we are actually doing it?

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