A Shout-Out

By Patrick Balerio, Denver VOICE vendor

I would like to give a shout-out to many of the wonderful people that I have been blessed to know over the past 40 months that I have been a VOICE vendor.

Though names often escape me, I will attempt to bring to light the names of those people that have left an indelible impression upon me.

Even in my darkest hours, I have always made a great effort to appear at my chosen corer at 17th and Lawrence Streets, knowing that I would be warmly received by everyone I encountered there. It is through these very people and the encouragement, inspiration, personal insights, and revelation—their personal stories and the stories of their loved ones and close friends that parallel my trials and tribulations—that keep me coming back. As a result, I have befriended a great many people on the strength of their humanity.

First of all, there is John M., Sig, Jan, Jim, Jack, Ryan, Jeff, Dan, Jeff and Nancy, Sharon, Mo (Maureen), Patty, Mike, Angela, Bruce, Donna, David (South Africa), Dan, Debra, Mike (Great Divide Brewery), Katy, Sarah, Lori and Correy, Paul, Caleb Gates, and the one and only, inimitable Marla, whose smile always brings laughter to my heart…and a host of other magnanimous people whose names escape me—forgive my absentmindedness.

I just wanted to let everyone know that they are always in my thoughts and prayers, for it is through their many blessings that I have persevered.

I also wanted to inform everyone that I am moving forward in my life. I have submitted two applications to perform volunteer work in the community. It will take a short while to actually become proactive, but I have set the groundwork for said activity. Also, I hope and pray that upon becoming involved with certain organizations, I will be able to access some academic programs.

So, after all is said and done, even though I put out the effort, the credit goes to all of the abovementioned people and so many others not named that I am able to go forth and establish a foundation for myself.

Thank one and all, sincerely, Pat Balerio. ■