February is the month we acknowledge our loves and friendships, but there is another special group of people we must show gratitude to this month — freelancers.

According to the National Today website, Freelance Writers Appreciation Week is celebrated the second week of February each year.

I have some talented freelancers who certainly deserve some recognition this month. Every month, in fact.

While I may be the backbone of the publications as editor of the Life on Capitol Hill and Washington Park Profile newspapers, the freelancers I work with certainly can be considered the rib cage. Without them, many of the wonderful stories you read each month would not be in publication.

I have a sentimental story for how each of them became acquainted with me and/or the newspaper. As a journalist, it has been instilled in me since Day 1 of J-school to always report without bias. But I will admit, I am biased when it comes to my freelancers — nobody can tell a story like they do.

My freelancers are such a bright and talented group of people. Each have their own style in their writing talent and it is a lot of fun to work with each of them to develop it — them learning from me, and me learning from them.

I do assign stories to them sometimes, but I particularly enjoy working with them on their unique story ideas. Some of these begin with a simple something they observed in Denver and want to explore further or a casual introduction to someone they find particularly interesting. It is my freelancers’ intrigue that make papers shine each month.

My freelancers work hard, and are so dedicated to storytelling and ensuring their written word is the best that it can be for every story they write, every month. They spend hours interviewing sources, researching information or news tips, gathering photos and in some cases, attending events.

So every time you see “Special to Colorado Community Media” in this February edition — and every month beyond — remember that it is the tireless work of one of my freelancers who brought that story to you.