A Family Separated Seeks Asylum in Chicago

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, right, and her sister Perla Flores Delgado, 3, play on scooters outside the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring their family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, right, and her sister Perla Flores Delgado, 3, play on scooters outside the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring their family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Maritza Flores sits with three of her children, from left, Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, Mariana Portillo Flores, 16, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, left, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maritza Flores sits with three of her children, from left, Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, Mariana Portillo Flores, 16, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, left, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, sits on a balcony at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, sits on a balcony at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Perla Flores Delgado, 3, right, jumps on mattresses with Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Perla Flores Delgado, 3, right, jumps on mattresses with Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, Anthony DeMay-Gres, 6, Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, retrieve scooters from the basement of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring the Flores family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, Anthony DeMay-Gres, 6, Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, retrieve scooters from the basement of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring the Flores family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A sign welcomes the members of the Flores family at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring them as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A sign welcomes the members of the Flores family at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring them as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, left, looks at Liz Gres as she plays with Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, left, looks at Liz Gres as she plays with Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Perla Flores Delgado, 3, plays with a cat at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Perla Flores Delgado, 3, plays with a cat at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maritza Flores, center, with her daughters Perla Flores Delgado, 3, left, and Mariana Portillo Flores, 16, speak with Liz Gres, right, at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maritza Flores, center, with her daughters Perla Flores Delgado, 3, left, and Mariana Portillo Flores, 16, speak with Liz Gres, right, at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, left, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, get water from a fountain at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, left, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, get water from a fountain at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maritza Flores pushes Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, on a swing at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maritza Flores pushes Maggie DeMay-Gres, 4, on a swing at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, spins on a swing at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, spins on a swing at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Sisters Perla Flores Delgado, 3, left, and Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, do cartwheels at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Sisters Perla Flores Delgado, 3, left, and Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, do cartwheels at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

16-year-old Mariana Portillo Flores lays in the lap of her mother Maritza Flores at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

16-year-old Mariana Portillo Flores lays in the lap of her mother Maritza Flores at Dunbar Park Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Chicago. The Flores family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families, like the DeMay-Gres family in Chicago, to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Maritza Flores with three of her children, Skarleth Fernandez Flores, 6, Mariana Portillo Flores, 16, and Perla Flores Delgado, 3, at the home of the DeMay-Gres family, who is sponsoring her family as they seek asylum status in the United States, May 2018, in Chicago. The family left their home country of El Salvador years ago due to gang violence, living in Guatemala for awhile before ending up in Mexico. They crossed the border into the United States as part of a caravan of hundreds of people, organized by Pueblo Sin Frontreras, where they surrendered and sought asylum. Officials determined that her Flores' 18-year-old daughter, who made it across the border with the family, would have to make a solo plea for asylum because she’s an adult, and remains in an immigration detention center in San Diego. Pueblo Sin Frontreras worked with Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of activists, to find sponsor families to house those in the caravan who did not have relatives in the United States. Flores said she is grateful for the family’s generosity, but she can’t get out of her mind her 18-year-old daughter languishing in a detention center.

Central American mother, children from migrant caravan seeking refuge in Chicago

C2E2

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Costumes and cosplay from Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Old Fashioned Donuts

Buritt Bulloch cuts donuts out of dough Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Buritt Bulloch cuts donuts out of dough Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Uncooked donuts sit on a proving rack Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Uncooked donuts sit on a proving rack Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lonnie Perkins fries up fresh donuts Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lonnie Perkins fries up fresh donuts Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Drejauna Bulloch, granddaughter of Buritt Bulloch, takes an order over the phone Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Drejauna Bulloch, granddaughter of Buritt Bulloch, takes an order over the phone Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lonnie Perkins glazes fresh donuts Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lonnie Perkins glazes fresh donuts Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Drejauna Bulloch, granddaughter of Buritt Bulloch, takes orders Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Drejauna Bulloch, granddaughter of Buritt Bulloch, takes orders Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A variety of donuts and other pastries are arranged in a box Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A variety of donuts and other pastries are arranged in a box Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Buritt Bulloch cuts donuts out of dough Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Buritt Bulloch cuts donuts out of dough Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Owner Buritt Bulloch makes donuts, as he does every day, Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Old Fashioned Donuts in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. He and his family, including his granddaughter, Drejauna, who works the counter, have been serving up donuts and other earthly delights on the South Side for over 45 years.

Loy Webb

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," currently playing at the Den Theatre through February 25. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," currently playing at the Den Theatre through February 25. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," currently playing at the Den Theatre through February 25. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," currently playing at the Den Theatre through February 25. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," currently playing at the Den Theatre through February 25. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," currently playing at the Den Theatre through February 25. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Playwright Loy Webb sits for a portrait at the Den Theatre Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in Chicago. She wrote "The Light," as described by The New Colony, "A surprise proposal takes an unexpected turn that upends the world of Genesis and Rashad, forcing them to confront a devastating secret from the past and putting the future of their relationship at risk. Featuring two of Chicago’s most dynamic actors, "The Light" is a 70-minute, real-time rollercoaster journey of laughter, romance and despair that uncovers how the power of radical love can be a healing beacon of light."

From the ashes of 'Birth of a Nation' controversy, a new playwright and 'The Light'

Best of 2017

Terron Sharp, left, and Cameron Dakota stand in the waters of Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach at sunset Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Chicago. "We came to the beach just to chill with each other. Play volleyball. And like, get wet, actually, because it was a hot day today. We're just chilling and having fun with each other. It's a nice beach," said Terron. The two said they are best friends and have known each other for a long time. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Terron Sharp, left, and Cameron Dakota stand in the waters of Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach at sunset Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Chicago. "We came to the beach just to chill with each other. Play volleyball. And like, get wet, actually, because it was a hot day today. We're just chilling and having fun with each other. It's a nice beach," said Terron. The two said they are best friends and have known each other for a long time. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Octopus tentacles decorate a front window of the Museum of Contemporary Art ahead of the opening of the Takashi Murakami exhibit, "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg," Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Chicago. The exhibit officially opens June 6 and runs through September 24. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Octopus tentacles decorate a front window of the Museum of Contemporary Art ahead of the opening of the Takashi Murakami exhibit, "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg," Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Chicago. The exhibit officially opens June 6 and runs through September 24. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Haj Khalaf family, who came to Chicago as Syrian refugees, from left, Mohamad, 22, Aya, 19, Sham, 19 months, matriarch Fattoum Bakir, patriarch Khaled Khalaf, Baraa, 23, and Abdulmajeed sit together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Haj Khalaf family, who came to Chicago as Syrian refugees, from left, Mohamad, 22, Aya, 19, Sham, 19 months, matriarch Fattoum Bakir, patriarch Khaled Khalaf, Baraa, 23, and Abdulmajeed sit together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

19-month-old Syrian refugee Sham Haj Khalad wears her grandfather's glasses at her home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Sham's grandfather Khaled Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

19-month-old Syrian refugee Sham Haj Khalad wears her grandfather's glasses at her home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Sham's grandfather Khaled Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Dia de los Muertos Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Dia de los Muertos Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Eddie Bolden was greeted by friends and family as he walked out of Cook County Jail a free man after spending 22 years in prison for a crime he did not commit Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Chicago. A Cook County judge threw out murder convictions against Bolden, the fatal shooting of two men in 1994, and prosecutors declined to retry him. Bolden was 46 years old at the time of his release. At his 1996 trial, a county jury convicted Bolden based on the testimony of Clifford Frazier, who was wounded in the shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Frazier’s brother, Derrick, and another man were killed. “When I stepped outside … there’s a difference between stepping out on a prison yard and seeing daylight and stepping outside outside. I still can’t explain it. It was like I stepped into a whole new world for real,” he said. Private investigator Susan Carlson worked with Bolden and his family and found key alibi witnesses who had been overlooked at the original trial who ultimately led to his release. Bolden spent the following year readjusting to life and reconnecting with his family and three children, Dominique, 23, Antonio, 25, and Bryana, 26. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Eddie Bolden was greeted by friends and family as he walked out of Cook County Jail a free man after spending 22 years in prison for a crime he did not commit Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Chicago. A Cook County judge threw out murder convictions against Bolden, the fatal shooting of two men in 1994, and prosecutors declined to retry him. Bolden was 46 years old at the time of his release.

At his 1996 trial, a county jury convicted Bolden based on the testimony of Clifford Frazier, who was wounded in the shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Frazier’s brother, Derrick, and another man were killed.

“When I stepped outside … there’s a difference between stepping out on a prison yard and seeing daylight and stepping outside outside. I still can’t explain it. It was like I stepped into a whole new world for real,” he said.

Private investigator Susan Carlson worked with Bolden and his family and found key alibi witnesses who had been overlooked at the original trial who ultimately led to his release.

Bolden spent the following year readjusting to life and reconnecting with his family and three children, Dominique, 23, Antonio, 25, and Bryana, 26. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

The tomato tatin is made with carmelized onion, marinated buratta and warm tomato vinaigrette at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The tomato tatin is made with carmelized onion, marinated buratta and warm tomato vinaigrette at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer that is now in remission and her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer that is now in remission and her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lorraine Szontagh draws around her grandson Marshall Szontagh, 3, with sidewalk chalk Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, at her house in Elmwood Park, Ill. Marshall and his brother Jackson, 4, were poisoned by lead paint while their family lived in a three flat in Berwyn. Caitlin, the children's mother, said they have already developed some behavioral problems and learning disabilities but it may take years to find out the full extent of their injuries from the poisoning. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Lorraine Szontagh draws around her grandson Marshall Szontagh, 3, with sidewalk chalk Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, at her house in Elmwood Park, Ill. Marshall and his brother Jackson, 4, were poisoned by lead paint while their family lived in a three flat in Berwyn. Caitlin, the children's mother, said they have already developed some behavioral problems and learning disabilities but it may take years to find out the full extent of their injuries from the poisoning. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Virginia Boyle cheers at a rally in support of transgender rights Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago. The rally was organized to protest the move by the Trump administration to roll back federal protections for transgender students in public schools. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Virginia Boyle cheers at a rally in support of transgender rights Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago. The rally was organized to protest the move by the Trump administration to roll back federal protections for transgender students in public schools. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Trent Reznor performs with his band Nine Inch Nails during Riot Fest Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at Douglas Park in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Trent Reznor performs with his band Nine Inch Nails during Riot Fest Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at Douglas Park in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she heads to her classroom at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she heads to her classroom at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Alison Richards, 13, Diedra Richards and Alex Richards, 10, sit on the ground as they struggle to play Pokemon Go at the Pokemon Go Fest Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Grant Park in Chicago. Many festival attendees had trouble getting the augmented-reality cellphone game to work. By the afternoon, Mike Quigley, chief marketing officer of the game's developer, Niantic, announced all ticket holders would receive refunds and be issued $100 in credits for use in the app. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Alison Richards, 13, Diedra Richards and Alex Richards, 10, sit on the ground as they struggle to play Pokemon Go at the Pokemon Go Fest Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Grant Park in Chicago. Many festival attendees had trouble getting the augmented-reality cellphone game to work. By the afternoon, Mike Quigley, chief marketing officer of the game's developer, Niantic, announced all ticket holders would receive refunds and be issued $100 in credits for use in the app. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward, center, and other players remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem before the game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at Solider Field in Chicago. Bears players stood along their sideline, most of them with their arms interlocked in a show of unity. The entire Steelers team, with the exception of offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, remained in their locker room during the anthem. Villanueva, who served in the Army, stood near the northeast corner of the field with his hand over his heart. That was the response at Soldier Field to the firestorm that has swept through the sports world this weekend in the aftermath of sharp comments made by President Donald Trump, who blasted players who have chosen to engage in peaceful demonstration during the National Anthem. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward, center, and other players remain in the tunnel for the National Anthem before the game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at Solider Field in Chicago. Bears players stood along their sideline, most of them with their arms interlocked in a show of unity. The entire Steelers team, with the exception of offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, remained in their locker room during the anthem. Villanueva, who served in the Army, stood near the northeast corner of the field with his hand over his heart. That was the response at Soldier Field to the firestorm that has swept through the sports world this weekend in the aftermath of sharp comments made by President Donald Trump, who blasted players who have chosen to engage in peaceful demonstration during the National Anthem. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen, right, falls backward over Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, bottom, as he scores a fourth goal for the Predators on Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford during the third period of Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals between game Saturday, April 15, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago. The Predators shut out the Blackhawks for the second time in a row 5-0 and ultimately swept the Chicago team in the best of seven series. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen, right, falls backward over Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, bottom, as he scores a fourth goal for the Predators on Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford during the third period of Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals between game Saturday, April 15, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago. The Predators shut out the Blackhawks for the second time in a row 5-0 and ultimately swept the Chicago team in the best of seven series. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson gets a hug from his mother, Louiza Williamson, after his team defeated Simeon High School to win the Illinois State High School Basketball Class 4A Championship game 60-50 in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson gets a hug from his mother, Louiza Williamson, after his team defeated Simeon High School to win the Illinois State High School Basketball Class 4A Championship game 60-50 in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Simeon High School forward Talen Horton-Tucker (5) covers his face after fouling out during overtime of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Simeon High School forward Talen Horton-Tucker (5) covers his face after fouling out during overtime of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen (29) catches a kick from the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the Chicago Bears versus Green Bay Packers game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen (29) catches a kick from the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the Chicago Bears versus Green Bay Packers game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Workers prepare the field before the Chicago Cubs versus Atlanta Braves game Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Workers prepare the field before the Chicago Cubs versus Atlanta Braves game Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) leaves the field after the Cubs' 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) leaves the field after the Cubs' 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) fouls Chicago Fire forward David Accam (11) during the first half of the Chicago Fire match against Toronto FC Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The score was 1-0 Toronto at the end of the half. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) fouls Chicago Fire forward David Accam (11) during the first half of the Chicago Fire match against Toronto FC Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The score was 1-0 Toronto at the end of the half. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Bulls guard David Nwaba (11) and Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) celebrate their 104-102. win over the New York Knicks Saturday Dec. 9, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Bulls guard David Nwaba (11) and Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) celebrate their 104-102. win over the New York Knicks Saturday Dec. 9, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

10-year-old Levi Krystosek waits in his doctor's office Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Levi is flown to Lurie's from Mississippi through the Miracle Flights organization for treatment of his very rare disease Jansen's metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. Severe JMC produces a dwarfing phenotype, or short stature, and other physical irregularities often include prominent or protruding eyes, wide cranial sutures and irregular formation of the long bones which can resemble rickets. Accumulation of calcium in the interstitum of the kidney is seen commonly as well. Dr. Craig Langman is a doctor at Lurie who specializes in treating some of these symptoms and has been seeing Levi since he was very young. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

10-year-old Levi Krystosek waits in his doctor's office Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Levi is flown to Lurie's from Mississippi through the Miracle Flights organization for treatment of his very rare disease Jansen's metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. Severe JMC produces a dwarfing phenotype, or short stature, and other physical irregularities often include prominent or protruding eyes, wide cranial sutures and irregular formation of the long bones which can resemble rickets. Accumulation of calcium in the interstitum of the kidney is seen commonly as well. Dr. Craig Langman is a doctor at Lurie who specializes in treating some of these symptoms and has been seeing Levi since he was very young. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

A red-winged blackbird calls out near the Lincoln Park Zoo Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A red-winged blackbird calls out near the Lincoln Park Zoo Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Pak Suan of Myanmar works in his small greenhouse in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Pak Suan of Myanmar works in his small greenhouse in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

The mother of Kennatay Leavell kneels over his body outside a group of row houses in the 500 block of West Iowa Street Friday, July 28, 2017, in the Cabrini Green neighborhood of Chicago. The 31-year-old was shot multiple times in the face and died at the scene. Family members had been watching for an hour, held back from Leavell's then-uncovered body by police tape and officers, when his mother eventually found a way through one of the Cabrini Green apartments. "My baby," she cried as she struggled to hold him close to her. "My baby." (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The mother of Kennatay Leavell kneels over his body outside a group of row houses in the 500 block of West Iowa Street Friday, July 28, 2017, in the Cabrini Green neighborhood of Chicago. The 31-year-old was shot multiple times in the face and died at the scene. Family members had been watching for an hour, held back from Leavell's then-uncovered body by police tape and officers, when his mother eventually found a way through one of the Cabrini Green apartments. "My baby," she cried as she struggled to hold him close to her. "My baby." (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A young girl stands in the doorway of an apartment near the scene of a fatal shooting in the 3700 block of West Fullerton Avenue Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. One 20-year-old man, the driver of a white vehicle stopped outside a cafe in the area, was shot in the hand and treated at Norwegian American Hospital while his co-worker and passenger, also in his 20s, was shot in the head and neck and died at the scene. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

A young girl stands in the doorway of an apartment near the scene of a fatal shooting in the 3700 block of West Fullerton Avenue Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. One 20-year-old man, the driver of a white vehicle stopped outside a cafe in the area, was shot in the hand and treated at Norwegian American Hospital while his co-worker and passenger, also in his 20s, was shot in the head and neck and died at the scene. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Rain falls on a car with police tape at the scene where 32-year-old Dario Balderrama was shot multiple times and killed in the 4800 block of South Racine Avenue Saturday, June 17, 2017, in the Back of Yards neighborhood of Chicago. About an hour later, two men and one woman were shot and taken to area hospitals less than a mile away on 44th Street. Both incidents involved rifles. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Rain falls on a car with police tape at the scene where 32-year-old Dario Balderrama was shot multiple times and killed in the 4800 block of South Racine Avenue Saturday, June 17, 2017, in the Back of Yards neighborhood of Chicago. About an hour later, two men and one woman were shot and taken to area hospitals less than a mile away on 44th Street. Both incidents involved rifles. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Three women hold each other as they sit on the ground at the scene of a fatal double shooting in the 5400 block of South Wabash Avenue Thursday, June 29, 2017, in the Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago. 32-year-old Jeanine Dowell and 41-year-old Juliet Washington were driving north when shots were fired from another vehicle, striking both women in the head. They were pronounced dead at the scene. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Three women hold each other as they sit on the ground at the scene of a fatal double shooting in the 5400 block of South Wabash Avenue Thursday, June 29, 2017, in the Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago. 32-year-old Jeanine Dowell and 41-year-old Juliet Washington were driving north when shots were fired from another vehicle, striking both women in the head. They were pronounced dead at the scene. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jose Moreno, left, 17, huddles together with other members of the John Overton High School of Nashville marching band as they wait in the cold for their turn to join the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jose Moreno, left, 17, huddles together with other members of the John Overton High School of Nashville marching band as they wait in the cold for their turn to join the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Actress Carrie Coon poses for a portrait at the Robey Hotel Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Chicago. Coon played Nora Durst on HBO's "The Leftovers," Margo Dunne, the sister of Ben Affleck's main character, Nick Dunne, in "Gone Girl" and most recently Gloria Burgle in FX's "Fargo" series in 2017. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Actress Carrie Coon poses for a portrait at the Robey Hotel Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, in Chicago. Coon played Nora Durst on HBO's "The Leftovers," Margo Dunne, the sister of Ben Affleck's main character, Nick Dunne, in "Gone Girl" and most recently Gloria Burgle in FX's "Fargo" series in 2017. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

2017. What a year. Full of ups and downs. A pretty good year for photography for me, but it was hard work and sometimes stressful: Publishing the year long story on Eddie Bolden, exonerated from prison after 22 years, covering overnight violence in Chicago again during the summer and fall, lots of sports (though the Cubs bowed out early)...and more.

A rough but promising year as a woman and "Enemy of the American People," aka, a journalist. I am lucky to have supportive editors and colleagues. I am thankful and proud to do what I do and will continue to tell the stories of people in my community and shed light on an unseen truth or two. The people I meet every day truly enrich my own life. 2018 looks bright.

Click here for a gallery of the Chicago Tribune photography staff's photos of the year.

Dia de los Muertos

Yesica Cruz, left, and Elyza Gonzalez. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Yesica Cruz, left, and Elyza Gonzalez. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Isabelle Navarro, left, and Joanna Romero. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Isabelle Navarro, left, and Joanna Romero. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Serena Iman, left, and Mike Atwell. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Serena Iman, left, and Mike Atwell. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Victorio Velasquez, left, and Seraph Iman . Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Victorio Velasquez, left, and Seraph Iman . Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Maria Centeno, left, and Samantha Romero. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Maria Centeno, left, and Samantha Romero. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Gabriel Perales, left, and Jade Amore. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Gabriel Perales, left, and Jade Amore. Dia de los Muertos at Dvorak Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.

Faces of Dia de los Muertos Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Dvorak Park in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. 

Jamela Anthony

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, records herself dancing at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Jamela Anthony, 6, records herself dancing at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Tangela Watson holds a photo of her daughter Jamela Anthony, 6, on the day doctors declared her cancer in remission on June 21, at their home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Watson worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Tangela Watson holds a photo of her daughter Jamela Anthony, 6, on the day doctors declared her cancer in remission on June 21, at their home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Watson worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Tangela Watson shows photos to her daughter Jamela Anthony, 6, at their home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Watson worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Tangela Watson shows photos to her daughter Jamela Anthony, 6, at their home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Watson worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Jamela Anthony, 6, walks up the stairs to her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, walks up the stairs to her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, wears Hello Kitty shoes as she plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela Anthony, 6, walks up the stairs to her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, wears Hello Kitty shoes as she plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela Anthony, 6, walks up the stairs to her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays with two different phones at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays with two different phones at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, records herself at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, records herself at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays with two different phones at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays with two different phones at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Jamela Anthony, 6, plays at her home Friday, July 7, 2017, in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission. Her family has relied on Medicaid to cover costs. Tangela Watson, Jamela’s mother, worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

The lovely and bright six-year-old Jamela Anthony borrowed reporter Lisa Schencker's iPhone and small tripod and was busy filming herself when I arrived to photograph her at home in Chicago. Jamela has undergone extensive treatment for an aggressive tumor on her spinal cord that is now in remission as of June 21. Jamela danced, jumped rope and took her mother's phone to flip through photos as she kept Lisa's phone on record. She pouted a little when I asked her to sit next to her mother on the couch for an interview. She wanted to set up my tripod and be behind the camera.

Jamela's family has relied on Medicaid to cover the extensive costs of 52 weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation required to treat her cancer. She spent most of the year as a five-year-old in the hospital and missed school while her mother, Tangela Watson, missed work to care for her daughter.  Watson worries about how the Medicaid program might change if the Senate's Obamacare replacement bill becomes law.

Click hear to watch a video of Jamela, including video clips she created on Lisa's phone, and read more about how potential cuts to Medicaid can affect children in Lisa's story:

Advocates worry GOP's health bill would cut Medicaid for low-income children: 'It's not good for kids'

Margeaux Brasserie

The tomato tatin is made with carmelized onion, marinated buratta and warm tomato vinaigrette at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The tomato tatin is made with carmelized onion, marinated buratta and warm tomato vinaigrette at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Left: Executive Chef Brent Balika poses for a portrait at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. Right: Le Vieux Corps is made with cognac, house-made rock and rye, Cocchi Americano rosa and "herbstura" at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Left: Executive Chef Brent Balika poses for a portrait at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. Right: Le Vieux Corps is made with cognac, house-made rock and rye, Cocchi Americano rosa and "herbstura" at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The dover sole a la meuniere is made with white asparagus, brown butter and lemon confit at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The dover sole a la meuniere is made with white asparagus, brown butter and lemon confit at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The bar area at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The bar area at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Left: The Green Hills of Africa cocktail is made with rum, Cocchi Americano rosa, lemon jasmine tea and grapefruit cordial, egg white and prosecco at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. Right: The Loveable Trixter cocktail is made with vodka, Aperol, raspberry, rhubarb, dry curacao, lemon, egg white and champagne at The Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Left: The Green Hills of Africa cocktail is made with rum, Cocchi Americano rosa, lemon jasmine tea and grapefruit cordial, egg white and prosecco at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. Right: The Loveable Trixter cocktail is made with vodka, Aperol, raspberry, rhubarb, dry curacao, lemon, egg white and champagne at The Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Vieux Carre cocktail is made with cognac, Rittenhouse Rye, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Vieux Carre cocktail is made with cognac, Rittenhouse Rye, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and bitters at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Valrhona chocolate grand macaron is made with fresh raspberry and milk chocolate cremeux at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Valrhona chocolate grand macaron is made with
fresh raspberry and milk chocolate cremeux at Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Thursday, June 6, 2017, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A few photos from a fun shoot at the new French restaurant in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in downtown Chicago Margeaux Brasserie. Some nice-looking food and beautiful cocktails. 

Life, Outside

Chicago Tribune, Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Chicago Tribune, Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Eddie Bolden was greeted by friends and family as he walked out of Cook County Jail a free man after spending 22 years in prison for a crime he did not commit Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in Chicago. A Cook County judge threw out murder convictions against Bolden, the fatal shooting of two men in 1994, and prosecutors declined to retry him. Bolden was 46 years old at the time of his release.

At his 1996 trial, a county jury convicted Bolden based on the testimony of Clifford Frazier, who was wounded in the shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Frazier’s brother, Derrick, and another man were killed.

“When I stepped outside … there’s a difference between stepping out on a prison yard and seeing daylight and stepping outside outside. I still can’t explain it. It was like I stepped into a whole new world for real,” he said.

Private investigator Susan Carlson worked with Bolden and his family and found key alibi witnesses who had been overlooked at the original trial who ultimately led to his release.

Bolden spent the last year readjusting to life and reconnecting with his family and three children, Dominique, 23, Antonio, 25, and Bryana, 26.

I had the privilege of spending the past year documenting some of this while getting to know Eddie and his family. Please click below for the full online version of this project, with story, photos and video:

A father — wrongly imprisoned for 22 years — reconnects with his children

Refugee Garden

Renuka Pokhrel of Bhutan works in her family's garden plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Renuka Pokhrel of Bhutan works in her family's garden plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler, left, and Krishna Bhattarai look at young plants in his plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler, left, and Krishna Bhattarai look at young plants in his plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

An onion goes to seed in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

An onion goes to seed in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Pak Suan of Myanmar works in his small greenhouse in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Pak Suan of Myanmar works in his small greenhouse in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Thai mustard greens grow in the greenhouse of Pak Suan of Myanmar in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Thai mustard greens grow in the greenhouse of Pak Suan of Myanmar in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler, right, plants small seedlings with Krishna Bhattarai of Bhutan in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler, right, plants small seedlings with Krishna Bhattarai of Bhutan in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Krishna Bhattarai of Bhutan works in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Krishna Bhattarai of Bhutan works in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Krishna Bhattarai of Bhutan plants a seedling in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Krishna Bhattarai of Bhutan plants a seedling in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Renuka, Shiva and Prajapati Pokhrel of Bhutan pick out plants for their garden plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Renuka, Shiva and Prajapati Pokhrel of Bhutan pick out plants for their garden plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lettuce grows in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Lettuce grows in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler works in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler works in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Friday, May 19, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Renuka Pokhrel of Bhutan flips her braid around as she works in her family's garden plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Renuka Pokhrel of Bhutan flips her braid around as she works in her family's garden plot in the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Director Linda Seyler and a handful of refugees worked in the garden on somewhat rainy days when I visited the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm in May in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. About 100 families, including refugees from Bhutan, Myanmar and elsewhere, have plots in the community garden. The farm, which began in 2012, became a nonprofit this spring after creating a board of directors last year, said Seyler, executive director and "head weed puller." The group receives so many requests for garden plots that there's a wait list of 60 families. Often, newly arrived refugees are so eager to begin growing foods that remind them of home that they reach out to the farm while still learning to speak English and navigate the "L."

Read the full article in the Chicago Tribune here.

Syrian Refugee Family

The Haj Khalaf family, who came to Chicago as Syrian refugees, from left, Mohamad, 22, Aya, 19, Sham, 19 months, matriarch Fattoum Bakir, patriarch Khaled Khalaf, Baraa, 23, and Abdulmajeed sit together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Haj Khalaf family, who came to Chicago as Syrian refugees, from left, Mohamad, 22, Aya, 19, Sham, 19 months, matriarch Fattoum Bakir, patriarch Khaled Khalaf, Baraa, 23, and Abdulmajeed sit together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A sign hangs in the Haj Khalaf family home from when they arrived at O'Hare International Airport as Syrian refugees Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A sign hangs in the Haj Khalaf family home from when they arrived at O'Hare International Airport as Syrian refugees Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Fattoum Bakir sits in the living room of her family home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Bakir and her husband, Khaled Khalaf, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Fattoum Bakir sits in the living room of her family home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Bakir and her husband, Khaled Khalaf, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Tea is prepared at the Haj Khalaf family home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Tea is prepared at the Haj Khalaf family home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Khaled Haj Khalaf holds up his 19-month-old granddaughter Sham at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf, Sham's mother, and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Khaled Haj Khalaf holds up his 19-month-old granddaughter Sham at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf, Sham's mother, and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

19-month-old Syrian refugee Sham Haj Khalad is followed by her 19-year-old aunt Aya Haj Khalad outside their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Sham's grandfather Khaled Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

19-month-old Syrian refugee Sham Haj Khalad is followed by her 19-year-old aunt Aya Haj Khalad outside their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Sham's grandfather Khaled Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Khaled Haj Khalaf kneads dough as he helps prepare lunch for his family at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Khaled Haj Khalaf kneads dough as he helps prepare lunch for his family at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Aya Haj Khalaf, 19, puts put food as her family prepares to each lunch together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Aya Haj Khalaf, 19, puts put food as her family prepares to each lunch together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Fattoum Bakir stirs food as she prepares lunch for her family at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Bakir and her husband, Khaled Khalaf, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Fattoum Bakir stirs food as she prepares lunch for her family at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Bakir and her husband, Khaled Khalaf, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Food is placed on a table cloth as the Haj Khalaf family prepares to each lunch together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Food is placed on a table cloth as the Haj Khalaf family prepares to each lunch together at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Baraa Haj Khalaf, left, eats lunch with her father Khaled Khalaf and their family at home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Baraa Haj Khalaf, left, eats lunch with her father Khaled Khalaf and their family at home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

19-month-old Syrian refugee Sham Haj Khalad wears her grandfather's glasses at her home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Sham's grandfather Khaled Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

19-month-old Syrian refugee Sham Haj Khalad wears her grandfather's glasses at her home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Sham's grandfather Khaled Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in the same apartment building. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Syrian refugee Khaled Haj Khalaf, the patriarch of the Haj Khalaf family, helped prepare lunch for his family at their home Friday, April 14, 2017, in Skokie, Ill. Fleeing the civil war in Syria, Haj Khalaf and his wife, Fattoum Bakir, came to Chicago in September 2016 with three of their children, but their oldest daughter Baraa Haj Khalaf and her family were denied entry in January of this year after President Donald Trump's immigration order banning all immigrants from Syria. Baraa, her husband Abdulmajeed and their now 19-month-old daughter Sham spent two years in a Turkish refugee camp for the proper paperwork, interviews and background checks required to come to America. They were all finally reunited in February and now live together in two different apartments in the same building. 

Read the story by Vikki Ortiz here: Syrian refugee family finding its way in Chicago: 'I'm trying to smile the way people smile here'

State Basketball

From left, Morgan High School players Shon Robinson (21), Jemari Harris (32), Quincy Dillard (44), Kenyon Duling (34), Tavaris McCullough (12), Tamell Pearson (1), Deandre Freeman (20), Lenell Henry (23) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) jump off the bench as their team wins the Class 3A Championship game against Fenwick High School in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. The final score was 69-67. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

From left, Morgan High School players Shon Robinson (21), Jemari Harris (32), Quincy Dillard (44), Kenyon Duling (34), Tavaris McCullough (12), Tamell Pearson (1), Deandre Freeman (20), Lenell Henry (23) and guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) jump off the bench as their team wins the Class 3A Championship game against Fenwick High School in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. The final score was 69-67. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Morgan Park High School Head Coach Nick Irvin hugs Morgan Park High School forward Cam Irvin (4), his nephew, after their team defeated Fenwick High School 69-67 in overtime to win the Class 3A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Morgan Park High School Head Coach Nick Irvin hugs Morgan Park High School forward Cam Irvin (4), his nephew, after their team defeated Fenwick High School 69-67 in overtime to win the Class 3A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Morgan Park High School guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) hangs out with his teammates during warmup before the Morgan Park High School versus Fenwick High School 3A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Morgan Park High School guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) hangs out with his teammates during warmup before the Morgan Park High School versus Fenwick High School 3A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Fremd High School Head Coach Robert Widlowski yells during the first half of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Fremd High School Class 4A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fremd High School Head Coach Robert Widlowski yells during the first half of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Fremd High School Class 4A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Morgan Park High School center Lenell Henry (23) reacts after getting fouled during the second half of the Morgan Park High School versus Lanphier High School Class 4A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Morgan Park defeated Lanphier 60-53. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Morgan Park High School center Lenell Henry (23) reacts after getting fouled during the second half of the Morgan Park High School versus Lanphier High School Class 4A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Morgan Park defeated Lanphier 60-53. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Left: Fenwick High School guard Billy Bruce (24) tries to block Morgan Park High School guard Lamond Johnson (0) during the first half of the Morgan Park High School versus Fenwick High School 3A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) Center: Simeon High School guard Marquis Brown (2) attempts a shot during the first half of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) Right: Fenwick High School guard Damari Nixon (4) makes a shot during the second half of the Fenwick High School versus Bloomington High School Class 3A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Fenwick won the game 67-52. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Left: Fenwick High School guard Billy Bruce (24) tries to block Morgan Park High School guard Lamond Johnson (0) during the first half of the Morgan Park High School versus Fenwick High School 3A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) Center: Simeon High School guard Marquis Brown (2) attempts a shot during the first half of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) Right: Fenwick High School guard Damari Nixon (4) makes a shot during the second half of the Fenwick High School versus Bloomington High School Class 3A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Fenwick won the game 67-52. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fenwick High School fans cheer during the first half of the Fenwick High School versus Bloomington High School Class 3A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Fenwick lead 30-23. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fenwick High School fans cheer during the first half of the Fenwick High School versus Bloomington High School Class 3A Semifinal game Friday, March 17, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. Fenwick lead 30-23. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Simeon High School forward Talen Horton-Tucker (5) pushes past Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson (24) during overtime of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Simeon High School forward Talen Horton-Tucker (5) pushes past Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson (24) during overtime of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Simeon High School forward Talen Horton-Tucker (5) covers his face after fouling out during overtime of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Simeon High School forward Talen Horton-Tucker (5) covers his face after fouling out during overtime of the Whitney Young Magnet High School versus Simeon High School Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Fenwick High School guard DJ Steward (21) pulls up his jersey after his team lost the Class 3A Championship game to Morgan Park High School 69-67 in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Fenwick High School guard DJ Steward (21) pulls up his jersey after his team lost the Class 3A Championship game to Morgan Park High School 69-67 in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson (24) gets a hug from his mother, Louiza Williamson, after his team defeated Simeon High School to win the Class 4A Championship game 60-50 in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson (24) gets a hug from his mother, Louiza Williamson, after his team defeated Simeon High School to win the Class 4A Championship game 60-50 in overtime Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson (24) gives the first place trophy a smooch as his team celebrates their 60-50 overtime win over Simeon High School in the Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Whitney Young Magnet High School forward Lucas Williamson (24) gives the first place trophy a smooch as his team celebrates their 60-50 overtime win over Simeon High School in the Class 4A Championship game Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Carver Arena in Peoria, Ill. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

I was in Peoria for several days to shoot back-to-back boys high school basketball Class 3A and 4A semifinal and championship games. Emotions ran high, especially the 3A championship game which ran into overtime. Chicago schools Morgan Park and Whitney Young Magnet took home trophies. 

Cafe Tola

The sign for Cafe Tola hangs outside Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The sign for Cafe Tola hangs outside Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Rope vieja empanadas are on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Rope vieja empanadas are on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Coffee cups at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Coffee cups at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Black bean soup is on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Black bean soup is on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A customer has lunch at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A customer has lunch at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Clockwise from left, pork, chorizo and egg, spinach ricotta and rope vieja empanadas are on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)  at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Clockwise from left, pork, chorizo and egg, spinach ricotta and rope vieja empanadas are on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)  at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A clock hangs on the wall at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A clock hangs on the wall at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Pork, chorizo and egg empanadas are on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Pork, chorizo and egg empanadas are on the menu at Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Murals are painted on the outside of Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Murals are painted on the outside of Cafe Tola Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A few photos from a fun little shoot at Cafe Tola Lonchería in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. The place is small but very colorful with some great murals on the outside. I ended up taking some empanadas home for lunch. Highly recommend. 

A Better Life

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo crawls to her mother Kimberly at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced a new program, "Achieving a Better Life Experience," that aims to help families like Dorencz-Cuervo's save for the future. Illinois is forming a coalition with 13 other states to allow people with a disability or blindness and their families to open tax-deferred investment accounts to save money. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo crawls to her mother Kimberly at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced a new program, "Achieving a Better Life Experience," that aims to help families like Dorencz-Cuervo's save for the future. Illinois is forming a coalition with 13 other states to allow people with a disability or blindness and their families to open tax-deferred investment accounts to save money. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she heads to her classroom at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She is currently unable to use her wheelchair at home, as the house is not wheelchair-friendly, but uses it at preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she heads to her classroom at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She is currently unable to use her wheelchair at home, as the house is not wheelchair-friendly, but uses it at preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo plays at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo plays at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo receives medicine from her mother Kimberly at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She takes medicine several times a day to help her digestive system. (Erin Hooley)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo receives medicine from her mother Kimberly at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She takes medicine several times a day to help her digestive system. (Erin Hooley)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo throws a wipe away in the garbage can at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo throws a wipe away in the garbage can at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Kimberly Dorencz-Cuervo, mother of 3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo, adjusts her daughter's ankle-foot orthoses at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dorencz-Cuervo said her daughter uses the orthoses at home "when she wants to." (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Kimberly Dorencz-Cuervo, mother of 3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo, adjusts her daughter's ankle-foot orthoses at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dorencz-Cuervo said her daughter uses the orthoses at home "when she wants to." (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo cries as her mother Kimberly takes her upstairs to use a catheter to remove urine from her bladder at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo cries as her mother Kimberly takes her upstairs to use a catheter to remove urine from her bladder at her home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she waits outside her classroom with her mother Kimberly at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she waits outside her classroom with her mother Kimberly at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she heads to her classroom at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo pushes herself in her wheelchair as she heads to her classroom at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Kennedy Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care. She usually gets around by crawling at home and uses a wheelchair when she goes to preschool. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

I photographed 3-year-old Dayna Dorencz-Cuervo and her mother Kimberly at their home Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago. Dayna has spina bifida and several other health issues which require special care, but she and mom have a regular routine of playing together, watching cartoons and having lunch after Dayna's older brothers leave for school. She usually gets around by crawling at home.

For preschool in the afternoon, Kimberly brought Dayna's wheelchair, which she doesn't use at home because the house is not very "wheelchair friendly." State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced a new program, "Achieving a Better Life Experience," that aims to help families like Dorencz-Cuervo's save for the future. Illinois is forming a coalition with 13 other states to allow people with a disability or blindness and their families to open tax-deferred investment accounts to save money.

Full store here: Illinois treasurer to launch tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities

Women's March on Chicago

Hundreds of thousands of people march through the streets during the Women's March on Chicago on Jan. 21, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds of thousands of people march through the streets during the Women's March on Chicago on Jan. 21, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds of thousands of people march through the streets during the Women's March on Chicago on Jan. 21, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds of thousands of people march through the streets during the Women's March on Chicago on Jan. 21, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds of thousands of people march through the streets during the Women's March on Chicago on Jan. 21, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Hundreds of thousands of people march through the streets during the Women's March on Chicago on Jan. 21, 2017. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Instagrams from the 250,000-strong Women's March on Chicago.

Read more here: Thousands fill Loop after Women's March rally in Chicago draws estimated 250,000

Violence and the Elderly

94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier sits at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier sits at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier has tea with her family at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier has tea with her family at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Joan O'Connor, daughter of 94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier, stands in the vestibule where her mother was attacked in her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Joan O'Connor, daughter of 94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier, stands in the vestibule where her mother was attacked in her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier is pictured with her late husband John in a wedding photo at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier is pictured with her late husband John in a wedding photo at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Judy Dusk helps her mother, 94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier, at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Judy Dusk helps her mother, 94-year-old World War II Navy veteran Josephine Regnier, at her home Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. Regnier was outside her Southwest Side home in the 5100 block of South Long Avenue waiting for her daughter when she was attacked after she went in to escape the cold on December 7. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi prepares to leave her home for the day Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015, but she said it and other factors don't stop her from going out each day. "No matter how much pain I have," she said of emotions and her physical ailments, "I keep moving...Movement and getting around and doing stuff makes me feel better." (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi prepares to leave her home for the day Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015, but she said it and other factors don't stop her from going out each day. "No matter how much pain I have," she said of emotions and her physical ailments, "I keep moving...Movement and getting around and doing stuff makes me feel better." (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi makes her way from her home to the bus stop in the 7600 block of South State Street Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015 about two blocks from the stop. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi makes her way from her home to the bus stop in the 7600 block of South State Street Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015 about two blocks from the stop. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi makes her way from her home to the bus stop in the 7600 block of South State Street Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015 about two blocks from the stop. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi makes her way from her home to the bus stop in the 7600 block of South State Street Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015 about two blocks from the stop. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi boards a bus at the stop in the 7600 block of South State Street Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015 about two blocks from the stop. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi boards a bus at the stop in the 7600 block of South State Street Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015 about two blocks from the stop. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kathyé Dawoudi, 71, hangs out at Mather’s—More Than a Café senior resource center Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015, but she said it and other factors don't stop her from going out each day. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kathyé Dawoudi, 71, hangs out at Mather’s—More Than a Café senior resource center Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. Dawoudi's 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015, but she said it and other factors don't stop her from going out each day. "I'm not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children," she said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

I spent time early this year with two different women, 94-year-old Josephine Regnier and 71-year-old Kathyé Dawoudi, to hear how violent crime in Chicago has affected their lives and their families.

Josephine Regnier, a World War II veteran, was outside her home in Garfield Ridge waiting for her daughter when she was attacked as she went back inside to escape the cold on December 7, 2016. A large man hit her several times, bruising her face and breaking several ribs, before fleeing the scene with her purse. 

"If he had just asked me for the purse I would have given it to him. But he...why did he have to hurt me? Break my ribs and hurt my back and…why did he have to do all that? People have been so nice it makes up for the one person that isn’t so nice."

Olajuwon Claiborne, a 26-year-old construction worker, was eventually arrested and faces charges for the assault and two other, similar robberies. 

There was an outpouring of support from the community after the incident. Three cameras behind Villa Rosa Pizza, where one of Regnier's daughters works as a delivery driver on the weekends, captured images of Claiborne fleeing on foot, Regnier's purse in hand. The owners offered a reward on Facebook that eventually helped apprehend Claiborne. 

Regnier said she will no longer go outside by herself or answer the door if she is home alone, although her daughters hope she won't be afraid to sit outside on the porch during summer months.

Kathyé Dawoudi’s 23-year-old grandson was shot and killed at his apartment building in 2015. It was devastating for Dawoudi's family, who said her daughter still hasn't recovered from the loss of her son.

"How he died is horrible, and the most horrible thing is the ones left behind. The ones that can’t get the picture out of their mind," she said. Two of her grandson's children, Dawoudi's great-grandchildren, witnessed the death of their father.

She said she refuses to hide or let the incident stop her from living life. She gets up every morning and goes out on her own.

“I’m not going to let violence dictate me. For myself or any of my children,” she said. She packs her bags each morning and takes a bus to Mather’s, a cafe for seniors, and later swims at her local YMCA.

“No matter how much pain I have,” she said of her emotions and her physical ailments, “I keep moving…Movement and getting around and doing stuff makes me feel better.”

Read more about violence and the elderly here: Amid Chicago violence, elderly residents face fears or hole up at home

Best of 2016

Georgi Davis hula hoops at North Avenue Beach Monday, July 4, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Georgi Davis hula hoops at North Avenue Beach Monday, July 4, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Three boys sit on the front of a boat as it pulls into Diversey Harbor Sunday, August 14, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Three boys sit on the front of a boat as it pulls into Diversey Harbor Sunday, August 14, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

A photo of Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown tops a tower of red, white and blue cupcakes at her election party Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the National Association of Letter Carriers Union Hall in Chicago. Brown is running against Democratic candidates 8th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris and Jacob Meister in her attempt to claim a fifth term. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A photo of Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown tops a tower of red, white and blue cupcakes at her election party Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the National Association of Letter Carriers Union Hall in Chicago. Brown is running against Democratic candidates 8th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris and Jacob Meister in her attempt to claim a fifth term. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kerry Morris, 24, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, visits with her at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. Marge’s children, John, Mike, Tom, Tim, Maureen, Maribeth, Peggy, Terry, Patty, Rich, David, Diane, Cathleen and Dan, kept a schedule and took turns caring for their mother in 12-hour shifts in the house where they all grew up. Although she was a nurse and her husband Jack a doctor at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, Marge was not too keen on seeing doctors herself. The family was happy to help.“They gave a lot to us and really built a strong family bond and so they instilled that in us, that you have to take care of each other,” said Maureen Kelly, child number five. Margaret “Marge” Coleman passed away on Sunday, August 7, surrounded by her family at home.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kerry Morris, 24, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, visits with her at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. Marge’s children, John, Mike, Tom, Tim, Maureen, Maribeth, Peggy, Terry, Patty, Rich, David, Diane, Cathleen and Dan, kept a schedule and took turns caring for their mother in 12-hour shifts in the house where they all grew up. Although she was a nurse and her husband Jack a doctor at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, Marge was not too keen on seeing doctors herself. The family was happy to help.“They gave a lot to us and really built a strong family bond and so they instilled that in us, that you have to take care of each other,” said Maureen Kelly, child number five. Margaret “Marge” Coleman passed away on Sunday, August 7, surrounded by her family at home.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Frontwoman LG performs with her band Thelma and the Sleaze at Metro Wednesday, May 25, 2016. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Frontwoman LG performs with her band Thelma and the Sleaze at Metro Wednesday, May 25, 2016. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Iggy Pop performs at the Chicago Theatre Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Iggy Pop performs at the Chicago Theatre Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Three Chicago police officers walk by pictures demonstrators taped to the wall of Chicago police union headquarters Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Chicago. Demonstrators were protesting the hiring of Jason Van Dyke, the officer charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Laquan McDonald, as a janitor, and said the pictures were all of individuals that were shot by Chicago police officers. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Three Chicago police officers walk by pictures demonstrators taped to the wall of Chicago police union headquarters Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Chicago. Demonstrators were protesting the hiring of Jason Van Dyke, the officer charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Laquan McDonald, as a janitor, and said the pictures were all of individuals that were shot by Chicago police officers. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Heavy snow falls as members of the Chicago Police Department work the scene of a shooting in the 7200 block of South Sangamon Street Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Officers were driving down the block Wednesday night, checking out a report about shots fired, when a man ran up and told them, “They just got my gramma.” 72-year-old Emagene Jackson was shot in the chest and wrist and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center where she recovered. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Heavy snow falls as members of the Chicago Police Department work the scene of a shooting in the 7200 block of South Sangamon Street Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Officers were driving down the block Wednesday night, checking out a report about shots fired, when a man ran up and told them, “They just got my gramma.” 72-year-old Emagene Jackson was shot in the chest and wrist and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center where she recovered. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

A man clings to a woman near the body of a gunshot victim laying in the grass at the scene of a fatal double shooting in Ogden Park Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2016, in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The 47-year-old man was walking his dog in the crowded park as people celebrated the holiday when shots were fired from a vehicle and he was struck in the chest. He likely died at the scene. A man clings to a woman near the body of a gunshot victim laying in the grass at the scene of a fatal double shooting in Ogden Park Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2016, in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The 47-year-old man was walking his dog in the crowded park as people celebrated the holiday when shots were fired from a vehicle and he was struck in the chest. He likely died at the scene. Lacoah Curtis packed up food and picnic supplies as the sun set over the park and police nearby told people the park was closed. Curtis grew up here but hasn’t been to a barbecue in a park in 10 or so years because she fears shootings. When she was in high school, she said, someone who wanted to kill someone else went and found that person, and shot them. But now, “people don’t care about shooting into a crowded park” and hitting innocent bystanders. (Erin Hooley/Chicago  Tribune) p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica}

A man clings to a woman near the body of a gunshot victim laying in the grass at the scene of a fatal double shooting in Ogden Park Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2016, in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The 47-year-old man was walking his dog in the crowded park as people celebrated the holiday when shots were fired from a vehicle and he was struck in the chest. He likely died at the scene. A man clings to a woman near the body of a gunshot victim laying in the grass at the scene of a fatal double shooting in Ogden Park Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2016, in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The 47-year-old man was walking his dog in the crowded park as people celebrated the holiday when shots were fired from a vehicle and he was struck in the chest. He likely died at the scene. Lacoah Curtis packed up food and picnic supplies as the sun set over the park and police nearby told people the park was closed. Curtis grew up here but hasn’t been to a barbecue in a park in 10 or so years because she fears shootings. When she was in high school, she said, someone who wanted to kill someone else went and found that person, and shot them. But now, “people don’t care about shooting into a crowded park” and hitting innocent bystanders. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Chasity, who did not want to give her last name, looks out of the shattered window of her residence near the scene of a shooting in the 500 block of North Springfield Avenue Saturday, June 4, 2016, in the East Garfield Park neighborhood in Chicago. She said a bullet came through the glass but only shattered the outer pane of the two-pane window. A 20-year-old man went to Stroger Hospital with gunshot wounds to the leg. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chasity, who did not want to give her last name, looks out of the shattered window of her residence near the scene of a shooting in the 500 block of North Springfield Avenue Saturday, June 4, 2016, in the East Garfield Park neighborhood in Chicago. She said a bullet came through the glass but only shattered the outer pane of the two-pane window. A 20-year-old man went to Stroger Hospital with gunshot wounds to the leg. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A member of the Chicago Police Department puts out kibble for a cat at the scene of a shooting in the 7100 block of South Paulina Street Friday, August 26, in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. A 22-year-old male was shot in the ankle. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A member of the Chicago Police Department puts out kibble for a cat at the scene of a shooting in the 7100 block of South Paulina Street Friday, August 26, in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. A 22-year-old male was shot in the ankle. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Willis Tower can be seen beyond police tape at the scene of a shooting in the 1200 block of South Union Avenue Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in the University Village neighborhood of Chicago. A 17-year-old male was in the back seat of a vehicle when he was shot in the chest. The driver fled and ended up in the 1800 block of South Calumet Avenue. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Willis Tower can be seen beyond police tape at the scene of a shooting in the 1200 block of South Union Avenue Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in the University Village neighborhood of Chicago. A 17-year-old male was in the back seat of a vehicle when he was shot in the chest. The driver fled and ended up in the 1800 block of South Calumet Avenue. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Joshua Oaks, right, puts his arms around his partner Mark Flannigan during a vigil for the victims of the Orlando gay nightclub shooting Sunday, June 12, 2016, in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago. 49 people were killed and 53 others wounded when Omar Marteen opened fire in the crowded Pulse nightclub.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Joshua Oaks, right, puts his arms around his partner Mark Flannigan during a vigil for the victims of the Orlando gay nightclub shooting Sunday, June 12, 2016, in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago. 49 people were killed and 53 others wounded when Omar Marteen opened fire in the crowded Pulse nightclub.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Children play in the water from a fire hydrant in the 600 block of North Saint Louis Avenue Thursday, July 21, 2016, in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Children play in the water from a fire hydrant in the 600 block of North Saint Louis Avenue Thursday, July 21, 2016, in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} Saarah Bhaiji, 16, who is Muslim, folds one of her many headscarves at her home Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Glenview, Ill. Bhaiji teaches at the Muslim Education Center in Morton Grove on Sundays and attends the public school Glenbrook South High as a junior during the week. Saarah was an infant at the time of the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S. and her sister Aasiyah, 13, wasn’t born, but both teenagers have grown up beneath a cloud of suspicion about their faith. Shortly after the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015 that killed 130 people, one of Saarah’s teachers at Glenbrook stood up and spoke on her behalf. “How could you think what’s going on in Paris and what’s going on with ISIS is representative of Islam if you have people like Saarah?” he said.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Saarah Bhaiji, 16, who is Muslim, folds one of her many headscarves at her home Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Glenview, Ill. Bhaiji teaches at the Muslim Education Center in Morton Grove on Sundays and attends the public school Glenbrook South High as a junior during the week. Saarah was an infant at the time of the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S. and her sister Aasiyah, 13, wasn’t born, but both teenagers have grown up beneath a cloud of suspicion about their faith. Shortly after the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015 that killed 130 people, one of Saarah’s teachers at Glenbrook stood up and spoke on her behalf. “How could you think what’s going on in Paris and what’s going on with ISIS is representative of Islam if you have people like Saarah?” he said. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

President Barack Obama waves as he walks to Air Force One with his daughter Malia at O'Hare International Airport Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Chicago. President Obama spoke at the University of Chicago, promoting his Supreme Court Nominee native Illinoisan Merrick Garland. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

President Barack Obama waves as he walks to Air Force One with his daughter Malia at O'Hare International Airport Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Chicago. President Obama spoke at the University of Chicago, promoting his Supreme Court Nominee native Illinoisan Merrick Garland. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The helmet of Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) flies off as he's taken down by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) during the third period of the Minnesota Wild versus Chicago Blackhawks game at the United Center Sunday, March 20, 2016, in Chicago. Panarin received a two-minute roughing penalty. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The helmet of Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) flies off as he's taken down by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (72) during the third period of the Minnesota Wild versus Chicago Blackhawks game at the United Center Sunday, March 20, 2016, in Chicago. Panarin received a two-minute roughing penalty. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A young fan receives a stick from Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) as the Minnesota Wild leave the ice after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 in the 2016 NHL Stadium Series outdoor game at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota Campus Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Minneapolis. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A young fan receives a stick from Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) as the Minnesota Wild leave the ice after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 in the 2016 NHL Stadium Series outdoor game at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota Campus Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Minneapolis. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

2016 McDonald’s All American player Josh Jackson of California takes a turn during the slam dunk contest at the POWERADE Jam Fest skills event Sunday, March 28, 2016, at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago. The skills contest precedes the 39th All American Games on March 30 at the United Center. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

2016 McDonald’s All American player Josh Jackson of California takes a turn during the slam dunk contest at the POWERADE Jam Fest skills event Sunday, March 28, 2016, at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago. The skills contest precedes the 39th All American Games on March 30 at the United Center. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Javion Irvy, 8, does a dance in the huddle of Evanston Township High School players before the 4A sectional semifinal game against Notre Dame College Prep at Glenbrook South High School Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Glenview, Ill. Notre Dame beat Evanston 68-56. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Javion Irvy, 8, does a dance in the huddle of Evanston Township High School players before the 4A sectional semifinal game against Notre Dame College Prep at Glenbrook South High School Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Glenview, Ill. Notre Dame beat Evanston 68-56. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Bears tight end Logan Paulsen (82) grabs Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) after he scored a touchdown during the first half of the Chicago Bears versus San Francisco 49ers game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Bears tight end Logan Paulsen (82) grabs Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) after he scored a touchdown during the first half of the Chicago Bears versus San Francisco 49ers game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler slides safely past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp into home base on a hit from Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo during the first inning of the Chicago Cubs versus Philadelphia Phillies game at Wrigley Field Sunday, May 29, 2016, in Chicago. The Cubs won the game 7-2. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler slides safely past Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp into home base on a hit from Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo during the first inning of the Chicago Cubs versus Philadelphia Phillies game at Wrigley Field Sunday, May 29, 2016, in Chicago. The Cubs won the game 7-2. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Michael Fanelli, left, buys a large stack of Chicago Tribune newspapers from 33-year employee Adirian Reed as fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Michael Fanelli, left, buys a large stack of Chicago Tribune newspapers from 33-year employee Adirian Reed as fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Brendan Taylor dances as his coworkers, clockwise from top left, David Johnson, Dimitri Chavez, Vincent Glover, Kyline Puritt and Antonio Barr laugh at him as they take a break from deconstructing a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods. One participant, Darius Fox, who was shot four times when he was 17 and spent several years in prison on a gun charge, said “I like working a job. Just to have a job, that feels good, that help you feel better as a man…I ain’t gotta look over my back, I ain’t gotta watch out for the police, I ain’t gotta worry about the police kicking in my door, nobody’s trying to rob me. It’s a blessing. I feel good. I feel like a man.” (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Brendan Taylor dances as his coworkers, clockwise from top left, David Johnson, Dimitri Chavez, Vincent Glover, Kyline Puritt and Antonio Barr laugh at him as they take a break from deconstructing a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods. One participant, Darius Fox, who was shot four times when he was 17 and spent several years in prison on a gun charge, said “I like working a job. Just to have a job, that feels good, that help you feel better as a man…I ain’t gotta look over my back, I ain’t gotta watch out for the police, I ain’t gotta worry about the police kicking in my door, nobody’s trying to rob me. It’s a blessing. I feel good. I feel like a man.” (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

The sunrise is reflected in the overflowing waters of Lake Michigan near Oak Street Beach Saturday, July 16, 2016, in Chicago.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The sunrise is reflected in the overflowing waters of Lake Michigan near Oak Street Beach Saturday, July 16, 2016, in Chicago.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

This year was full of fun times at the lake, long overnight shifts, lots of hockey, baseball and baseball-related mayhem, and a lot of other stories here and there. Please enjoy a selection of my photos from 2016. 

Cubs Make History

Fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Cindy Gillespie presses her hands against her face as she watches game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at the Cubby Bear bar across from Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Cindy Gillespie presses her hands against her face as she watches game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at the Cubby Bear bar across from Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

JP Stahl celebrates a play as he watches game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at the Cubby Bear bar across from Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

JP Stahl celebrates a play as he watches game 7 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at the Cubby Bear bar across from Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate outside Wrigley Field after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, sending them to the World Series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate outside Wrigley Field after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, sending them to the World Series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate outside Wrigley Field after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, sending them to the World Series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate outside Wrigley Field after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, sending them to the World Series, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A large blue "W" is painted on the side of a building in the 3800 block of North Kedzie Avenue Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago. The Chicago Cubs play the Cleveland Indians in game 6 of the World Series tonight. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A large blue "W" is painted on the side of a building in the 3800 block of North Kedzie Avenue Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago. The Chicago Cubs play the Cleveland Indians in game 6 of the World Series tonight. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Chicago River is dyed blue near the Michigan Avenue bridge in honor of the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win Friday, Nov. 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

The Chicago River is dyed blue near the Michigan Avenue bridge in honor of the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win Friday, Nov. 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Michael Fanelli, left, buys a large stack of Chicago Tribune newspapers from 33-year employee Adirian Reed as fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Michael Fanelli, left, buys a large stack of Chicago Tribune newspapers from 33-year employee Adirian Reed as fans celebrate the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Nicole Budde holds a copy of the Chicago Tribune as she celebrates the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Nicole Budde holds a copy of the Chicago Tribune as she celebrates the Chicago Cubs' historic World Series win over the Cleveland Indians Thursday, Nov. 3, in Wrigleyville in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A few images from the Chicago Cubs' historic run to become World Series Champions after a grueling 108-year wait. 

Community Renewal

Antonio Jones, left, and Dwayne Williams dump out a garbage can as they help renovate a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Antonio Jones, left, and Dwayne Williams dump out a garbage can as they help renovate a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

David Johnson throws a bag of debris out the window of a house he is helping to renovate Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

David Johnson throws a bag of debris out the window of a house he is helping to renovate Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Antonio Jones tosses a piece of wood as he and others deconstruct a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Antonio Jones tosses a piece of wood as he and others deconstruct a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kaysean Thomas, left, and Jamon Lynch carry drywall from a house they are renovating Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kaysean Thomas, left, and Jamon Lynch carry drywall from a house they are renovating Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

17-year-old Reggie Gardner laughs as he preapres to do some clean up work Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

17-year-old Reggie Gardner laughs as he preapres to do some clean up work Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kaysean Thomas, left, and Dwayne Williams pick up debris in the yard of a house they are renovating Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kaysean Thomas, left, and Dwayne Williams pick up debris in the yard of a house they are renovating Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan, left, tours a house under renovation with contractor Mike Wilson, right, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective, where Duncan is a managing partner, meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan, left, tours a house under renovation with contractor Mike Wilson, right, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective, where Duncan is a managing partner, meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Renovated houses are finished Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Renovated houses are finished Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Brendan Taylor dances as his coworkers, clockwise from top left, David Johnson, Dimitri Chavez, Vincent Glover, Kyline Puritt and Antonio Barr laugh at him as they take a break from deconstructing a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Brendan Taylor dances as his coworkers, clockwise from top left, David Johnson, Dimitri Chavez, Vincent Glover, Kyline Puritt and Antonio Barr laugh at him as they take a break from deconstructing a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods.  (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Darius Fox takes a break from helping to deconstruct a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods. Fox said he was incarcerated for several years on a gun charge and that the program is helping him to change his life. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

Darius Fox takes a break from helping to deconstruct a house Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. About 28 young men are participating in a pilot program launched by the Emerson Collective meant to help them learn job skills and find future employment while participating community renewal in many Chicago neighborhoods. Fox said he was incarcerated for several years on a gun charge and that the program is helping him to change his life. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

28 young men were tearing down drywall and tossing bags of debris out the windows of condemned homes Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the historic Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. They were deconstructing these buildings as part of a community renewal and jobs program initiated by the Emerson Collective, where former Former U.S. Secretary of Education and Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan is a managing partner. The program reaches out to young men with histories of involvement in gangs, drugs and violence in Chicago, many of whom have been shot  and spent time in jail or prison, and offers them a chance to help themselves and the community by putting them to work. 

I spoke to 24-year-old Darius Fox, who said he was shot four times in front of a church when he was 17. It was a turning point in his life and it made him angry. He turned to selling drugs and spent three years in jail on a gun charge at 21. He said the program is helping him learn job skills, life skills and conflict management skills, all while working with other men with similar experiences.

"I like working a job. Just to have a job, that feels good, that help you feel better as a man...I ain't gotta look over my back, I ain't gotta watch out for the police, I ain't gotta worry about the police kicking in my door, nobody's trying to rob me. It’s a blessing. I feel good. I feel like a man."

Read the Chicago Tribune story by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz

14 Kids

Kerry Morris, 24, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, visits with her at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Kerry Morris, 24, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, visits with her at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Cathleen Loch, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 14 children, checks in with her at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Cathleen Loch, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 14 children, checks in with her at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A photo of now 92-year-old Margaret Coleman and her husband, John Coleman, who she called "Jack," sits on a shelf near her bedside at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Margaret and her husband John Coleman had 14 children together. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A photo of now 92-year-old Margaret Coleman and her husband, John Coleman, who she called "Jack," sits on a shelf near her bedside at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Margaret and her husband John Coleman had 14 children together. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A photograph from 1949 shows now 92-year-old Margaret Coleman holding the first of 14 children, John Coleman (also called Jack), in an album at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

A photograph from 1949 shows now 92-year-old Margaret Coleman holding the first of 14 children, John Coleman (also called Jack), in an album at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Peggy Cahill, Cathleen Loch and Dan Coleman, three of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 14 children, talk to her during a visit at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

From left, Peggy Cahill, Cathleen Loch and Dan Coleman, three of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 14 children, talk to her during a visit at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Sun shines on the Coleman family house where 92-year-old Margaret Coleman and her husband John Coleman raised 14 children Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Sun shines on the Coleman family house where 92-year-old Margaret Coleman and her husband John Coleman raised 14 children Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Molly Morris, 21, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, speaks to her by her bedside during a visit at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Molly Morris, 21, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, speaks to her by her bedside during a visit at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Jane, left, 21, and Kathleen Kelly, 25, two of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, visit with her at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Jane, left, 21, and Kathleen Kelly, 25, two of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, visit with her at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Photos of some of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren hang on the wall of the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Margaret and her husband John Coleman had 14 children together. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Photos of some of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren hang on the wall of the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Margaret and her husband John Coleman had 14 children together. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Molly Morris, 21, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, vacuums around her bed during a visit at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Molly Morris, 21, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 48 grandchildren, vacuums around her bed during a visit at the Coleman family home Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Maureen Kelly, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 14 children, puts a hand on her mother's head as she says goodbye after a visit at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Maureen Kelly, one of 92-year-old Margaret Coleman's 14 children, puts a hand on her mother's head as she says goodbye after a visit at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. Although she is on oxygen and can no longer walk, Margaret remains in high spirits and wishes to stay in the family house, so her children organize and take turns caring for her during the week. She also receives frequent visits from many of her 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

92-year-old Margaret Coleman, center, sits with her 14 children, from left, Rich Coleman, 55, Mike Coleman, 65, Diane Morris, 53, David Coleman, 54, Maribeth Rice, 61, Tom Coleman, 63, Cathleen Loch, 51, Dan Coleman, 47, Patty Griffin, 57, Maureen Kelly, 61 (twin to Maribeth), Tim Coleman, 62, Terry Coleman, 58, John Coleman, 67, and Peggy Cahill, 60, at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. In addition to her 14 children, Margaret Coleman currently has 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

92-year-old Margaret Coleman, center, sits with her 14 children, from left, Rich Coleman, 55, Mike Coleman, 65, Diane Morris, 53, David Coleman, 54, Maribeth Rice, 61, Tom Coleman, 63, Cathleen Loch, 51, Dan Coleman, 47, Patty Griffin, 57, Maureen Kelly, 61 (twin to Maribeth), Tim Coleman, 62, Terry Coleman, 58, John Coleman, 67, and Peggy Cahill, 60, at the Coleman family home Sunday, July 24, 2016, in Chicago. In addition to her 14 children, Margaret Coleman currently has 48 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Sun shines in through the window of the dining room at the Coleman family house where 92-year-old Margaret Coleman and her husband John Coleman raised 14 children Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

Sun shines in through the window of the dining room at the Coleman family house where 92-year-old Margaret Coleman and her husband John Coleman raised 14 children Monday, July 25, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune) 

One weekend in July 2016, 92-year-old Margaret Coleman was visited by all 14 of her children and handful of some of 48 grandchildren at the Coleman home in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. Margaret, who also went by “Marge,” although in high spirits and with quick wit, was bedridden and on oxygen but wished to remain in the family house. Her children spoke loudly to her through a hearing device, giving updates about their own families, while the grandchildren joked with her about their summer plans before heading back to school.

Marge’s children, John, Mike, Tom, Tim, Maureen, Maribeth, Peggy, Terry, Patty, Rich, David, Diane, Cathleen and Dan, kept a schedule and took turns caring for their mother in 12-hour shifts in the house where they all grew up. Although she was a nurse and her husband Jack a doctor at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, Marge was not too keen on seeing doctors herself. The family was happy to help.

“They gave a lot to us and really built a strong family bond and so they instilled that in us, that you have to take care of each other,” said Maureen Kelly, child number five. 

I was lucky enough to meet Marge and spend time photographing her with family members. At one point, all the kids stood in the kitchen, discussing the possibility and logistics of fulfilling their mother’s wish to visit the family lake cottage in Michigan one last time. The following weekend, they took her to the cottage where she spent summers at as a little girl.

Margaret “Marge” Coleman passed away on Sunday, August 7, surrounded by her family at home. 

Mary Schmich wrote two wonderful stories about the Colemans here:

One mom, 14 children, and the grace of caring

Mother of 14 dies the way she wished, at home with her children