I had an unexpected trip home this week after I got the news my aunt, Linda, passed away. My dad called me Thursday and while I was picking up a press pass to shoot girls state basketball. I called my mom, sister and brother, asked how they were and then realized, I still had a game to photograph.  I took a moment to myself, picked up my cameras, and shot the game.  Which is what the photos in this post will be from.
 My mom is one of ten. Since I moved to Johnsburg, my holidays have had 30 to 40 people at them but Linda always found a way to steal the spotlight with her happiness. My aunt was a caring, loving, energetic woman who was faced more struggles than anyone I personally know. She was an aunt that giggled at dirty joke and would always shoot you a wink when you showed up to an event after a long night with friends. She never tried to be anyone but herself.
My aunt always supported me. Always congratulated on my success. She wasn't a complex woman. Be kind, always smile, and never stop moving forward.
I remember talking to her this past Thanksgiving about me being worried about my future.
 "Don't worry," she said, " You're a rock star"  
I would like to thank all my friends who asked me how I was. I have some of the most caring people in my life and my aunt would have loved everyone just as much as I do.
I love you Linda.