The 2013 summer was a difficult time for Colorado.
A season that is supposed to be about backyard barbeques and days at the pool began with fires that impacted thousands (and could be seen from space) and ended with unprecedented flooding across the state.
As we enter autumn, it would be nice to say that the worst is behind us and everything will be back to normal in no time, but that simply is not the case.
The ground is scorched from June fires. Homes, businesses and roads have been washed away in September’s floods, which have claimed eight lives thus far. Cities are ghost towns, streets are underwater and people need help.
There is plenty of work to do, because the sad truth is we are not out of the woods yet—there are plenty of scorched, flooded woods still in front of us.
But we will push through the ash and water, because we are Colorado strong.
We are the people who hike 14,000-foot mountains and still make it to happy hour for drinks. We care about our communities, our planet and each other. We work so we can live, not live so we can work. We stay fit because our lifestyles demand it, and we don’t settle for just “good enough.”
However, what I’m saying is just talk—it means nothing with out action. And that is where you come in.
Our state needs you—and I mean you. Fellow Coloradoans don’t need a friendly Facebook status, or hopeful prayers or a blog post. They need help moving their waterlogged furniture. They need somewhere warm to sleep. They need money.
Our state endured a summer unlike any other, and it’s up to all of us to be strong and be there for each other. Let it be with your time or money; help out where you can, how you can. Because come Hell or high water, Coloradoans are strong for each other.
To see how you can help, visit: http://www.helpcoloradonow.org/.
If you need a reminder of what makes our state so great, check out the video below:
“Come Hell or High Water” Graphic copyrighted by Mike Nolan and Cameron Naish