I Heart Colorado Springs: A Colorado Springs Love Story

In Colorado Springs, we have a lot of different perspectives and viewpoints. But we all agree that we love Colorado Springs. The Pikes Peak Equality Coalition presents its second annual photo love story, "I Heart Colorado Springs." Here are fourteen reasons to fall in love with our city. © Kate’s Lens Photography www.kateslensphotography.com

1.

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“I love Colorado Springs, because it has an atmosphere that fills my soul. I chose to move to the Springs, and I’ve never regretted it. No matter your politics or religious beliefs, people choose the Springs to have a better way of life, we live in a place that defines the word ‘awesome’.” Jennifer Roberts, 52, Bev Infante, 64, Program Administrator and Director for Women’s Resource Agency

2.

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“My dad wasn’t a part of my life. I was raised by my grandfather, grandmother and mom. Carter’s my heart and soul— he keeps me here. He’s my proudest accomplishment, my second generation Colorado native. I want to raise my son here, where my grandfather was King of the Hillside and the smell of my grandmother’s ribs would bring visitors from all over." Lionel Washington, 31, Community Leader and Member of the NAACP and Carter Washington, 2, Local Superhero

3.

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“I love working at The Independence Center because we help people find the opportunity to experience anything they want, even if they have a disability. As a peer mentor, I share my experiences to help others meet challenges. I love living in Colorado Springs because I get the chance to meet my own challenges.” Tim Ashley, Peer Support Coordinator for the Independence Center

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“I knew that Colorado Springs was home when I came here for my honeymoon, a rustic log cabin on the backside of Pikes Peak. My husband and I returned here for good after more than twenty years abroad on diplomatic postings. The beauty of this place, the healthy outdoor living, peace and quiet, the sense of community which allows like-minded people to connect and work together to make a difference.” Kent Obee, 72, American Diplomat and Ruth Obee, 73, Author of History in Stone: The Story of Red Rock Canyon and other books, both advocates for trails and open space and Sierra Club Members

5.

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“I was a lonely, quiet, shy person before I started to come to Inside Out. I then realized that Colorado Springs was home because I found a safe place where I could be me, without being judged and to me that is a "home". I have accomplished so much within the Colorado Springs community: I have been to panels educating others on bullying and LGBTIQ issues, I have had opportunities that I would have never had without the support from Inside Out.” Mack James, 18, Student, Youth Liaison at Inside/Out Youth Services

6.

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“Colorado Springs helped my family to name and claim our values of equality, freedom, and a true respect and love for diversity in all its forms---and to take action to live into those values. That's what you do in a home that you love! Care. Tend. Include. Nurture. Listen. Create together!” Lynn Young, 60, former Board of Directors for Citizens Project, Local Creator of Change

7.

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“She and I met and fell in love in Colorado Springs. In 2012 we had our wedding here. In 2013 we got Civil Unioned here. We raised Jack and gave birth to Wren here. And in 2014 we got legally MARRIED in our town. We love Colorado Springs and all the new beginnings it’s brought us.” Erika Highstead-Musick, 36, Registered Nurse, Sarah Musick, 32, Regional Coordinator, Wren, 1, Community Baby-crush, Jack, 11, Young Thinker, Messenger Family for ONE Colorado

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“I have met the most amazing people and have gained so much respect for the many things that others are doing to make Colorado Springs an even better place to live and visit. There is nowhere else that has both fabulous culture and an abundance of outdoor amenities. I love our small town feel and community spirit!" Jill Gaebler, 48, City Council Member

9.

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“When I board the bus I’m greeted by Randolph's (pictured above) friendly face and all I have to do is sit down and ride. I don’t worry about icy roads, pot holes, the price of gas, my car breaking down or finding a parking space!” Kyleah Daily, Volunteer Coordinator at the Women’s Resource Agency and Community Transit Advocate

10.

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“As soon as I moved to Colorado Springs, I was welcomed with open arms. By my second day in town, I had already made friends. I am so proud to work in this community, for an organization that gives women and men confidential, non-judgmental care, no matter what race, economic status, religion, gender or sexual preference they belong to. I have never been so humbled to meet such wonderful individuals from every walk of life and it certainly makes Colorado Springs an easy place to call home.” Bridget Peach, 24, Advanced Health Center Assistant at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

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“A career in the Air Force brought me to the Springs; I retired after 20 years as a fighter pilot and combat veteran. I stay here because there is a diverse mix of people—conservative, liberal, all religious orientations— that despite our differences, we make it happen. Despite losing my health, my family, and career, I found myself here.” Shari Zabel, 49, Air Force Veteran and ONE Colorado Member, Peak Area Gender Expression Member

12.

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“I moved to Colorado Springs because my family has a ranch in Westcliffe and I wanted to get out of Texas! My biggest accomplishment has been buying my own store here. I am so proud to be a small business owner in amazing downtown Colorado Springs.” Leah Chappabitty, 31, Owner of Splash

13.

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“I had a crisis with Multiple Sclerosis and by that time my whole life was down here in Colorado Springs. I decided to stay. I have to say it’s been a very wise decision for me because the city is a size I can comfortably manage from my chair. I also really love the opportunities for volunteer work in the community. I have created a new life by sticking up for myself and others.” Sharon King, The Independence Center Community Advocate

14.

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“I moved to the Springs because I was looking for a fresh start in my life; I stayed here because of the great community of friends that I have developed in the past two years. I see an opportunity to make a difference and improve the quality of life in Colorado Springs—when you become passionate about a city, you want to help make that place better.” Lawrence Wagner, 45, Founder/Executive Director of Connect! Colorado Springs

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