IN YOUR OWN WORDS VALENTINES FROM OUR VENDORS Denver VOICE vendors Gigi and Lando created artwork for Valentine’s Day RAELENE JOHNSON. CREDIT: CORTNEY TABERNA SELF, DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU COULD DO? BY RAELENE JOHNSON, VOICE VENDOR SELF, DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU COULD OVERCOME? You went through so much and didn’t give up! You survived all kinds of abuse, and now look at you! You overcame death too many times to count. You learned to love Self. You overcame being lost and lonely. You overcame fear that people will hurt you. Do you not know now your past can help others, if you care to help others? Even if no one was there to help you? Did you know you can get help for drugs, alcohol or ____ (fill in the blank with words that work for your struggle )? Did you not know, Self, that you had power over your life? Find your power, only you can do your life! You can do anything you put your mind to. Do your part in your world to make life better! Self, I believe you can DO what is best for Self, and the world! ■ ILLUSTRATION BY GIGI GALEN ILLUSTRATION BY LANDO ALLEN FREE ADDICTION SUPPORT FOR DENVER RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP (855) 539-9375 WeFaceItTogether.org 12 DENVER VOICE February 2022
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