Grieving the loss of a loved one, recovering from an injury, navigating a mental health crisis, or just having “one of those days” when nothing seems to go right — we’ve all been there. I try to not live in fear of those days, of that heartache. I embrace it because it is always on the other side of those challenges when life is just … brighter. And it is often people who lift us out of the darkness.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we asked our readers to share with us about the people who bring light to their lives. We received countless stories about spouses, siblings, neighbors, friends, and strangers who all have one thing in common: They were a bright spot in someone’s life.
“A simple, small gesture can have a huge impact on someone’s day and overall attitude, just knowing someone cares,” Sangre de Cristo Electric Association member Pauline Dobson said. “I hope we will see our own opportunities to be good to others, especially in times of frustration and opposition — we are all in this together.”
During this season of giving, may these stories inspire you to extend kindness to neighbors, strangers, and friends in need. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture — a warm smile and a word of encouragement might make a huge difference in someone’s life. As reader Patty Richardson said, “Our collective moments equal happiness.”
FRIENDS TURNED FAMILY
By Patricia Hentosh | Sangre de Cristo Electric Association member
I was accepted into graduate school in Boston after a seven-year break from academics. My goal was to obtain the education necessary to do research and teach in the field of cancer biology.
As a typical graduate student, I had little income, no free time, and very demanding courses, and I was always worried about failing. My support systems of family and friends were all in Ohio and Washington, D.C. I would not have made it through those six years of studies without two women at the school who became family.
Despite their own limited income, Sheila and Peggy invited me for meals twice a week, they prepared me for big exams, and they made me laugh. They insisted that I take study breaks and boosted my morale when I doubted myself.
I would not have succeeded in achieving my goal of a cancer biology career and profession without Sheila and Peggy’s help and concern.
CREDIT OF KINDNESS
By Cheryl R. | Southeast Colorado Power Association member
I ran out of milk while I was making potato soup, so I made a quick trip to the grocery store. I also added cheese to my cart. When I got to the register, my milk and two bags of cheese rang up to $24. I inserted my credit card, but it was declined — twice. Turns out my card had been hacked and shut down by the fraud department.
As I waited to sort things out, the customer behind me paid for his groceries — and mine. I yelled “Thank you!” but never got his name. The next customer said, “If he hadn’t paid for you, I was going to!” Even in the smallest moment of darkness, the kindness of strangers is the most welcome light.
MY FRIEND, MAREEN
By Alicia Riley | Grand Valley Power member
One day when I was sick and shivering, Mareen Black — my energetic, over-80-year-old friend — showed up with homemade soup and a smile. She didn’t even know I was sick, but somehow, she always knows who needs a little love.
She drives elderly friends to the gym, volunteers at the Fruita Thrift Shop, and listens with empathy when I face parenting challenges. She radiates light and positivity. Mareen brings joy and kindness to everyone she meets.
PEARL’S GIFT
By Terry and Bart Mayes | Poudre Valley REA members
After losing our home in the 2013 Colorado floods, we met a woman named Pearl at a laundromat. We were overwhelmed, running 10 washers trying to salvage clothes. Pearl approached us, prayed with us, and as she left, pressed a tiny capsule into my husband’s hand — it contained a $100 bill. Before we could thank her, she was gone. An angel on the wing.
SISTERS OF MY HEART
By Dawn A. | Grand Valley Power member
When my husband of 36 years passed away from Parkinson’s, I began mourning long before he died. After he passed, I was surrounded by a few long-time women friends. One flew in when my children couldn’t. Others supported me emotionally from afar. Their light pulled me out of darkness and continues to guide me forward.
MOM’S LIGHT
By Jennifer Rivas | Poudre Valley REA member
Thirty years ago, during a difficult season of life, my mom pointed out a meadowlark singing in the sun. That moment slowed my restless mind. Her passion for birds became mine. Since then, I’ve traveled the world birding — often with her. At 75, she still finds the best birds. It’s more than a hobby — it’s our shared light.
ANGELS AMONG US
By Jane H. | La Plata Electric Association member
After crashing my bike, a couple came to my aid. The woman helped me stay calm, shared her own injury story, and the man cared for my bike. A week later, we ran into each other at a farmers market. They cheered my recovery and encouraged me to keep doing what I love. We now plan to stay in touch. Angels among us.
MY NEIGHBOR’S BARN
By James Dougan | Empire Electric Association member
At sunset, light illuminates my neighbor Augie’s barn. Inside is every tool or part I might ever need — and I’m welcome to them. Augie and I are buds. We don’t always talk, but we sit. His barn is more than a place to borrow something — it’s a symbol of neighborly comfort and quiet connection.
