Each new year with the Chicago Tribune has me thinking "wow, what a year" for many reasons. I don't think there will ever be a dull moment working in this city I love. 2021 was particularly rough for me personally with a lot of loss, illness and complicated reflection, but it's always therapeutic to look through photos in my archive and reflect and choose what is important and meaningful to me.

"Someone finally listened to me."

Eddie Bolden, someone I now called a friend, was awarded $25.2 million in his wrongful conviction case in October. Bolden, 51, sued then-Detective Phil Pesavento and retired gang specialist Officer James Oliver, as well as the estates of two other detectives who have since died, claiming he was framed in the January 1994 slayings of Derrick Frazier, 24, and Irving Clayton, 23, during a drug deal in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. He spent 22 years in prison before being exonerated in 2016. The jury deliberated for about 10 hours over three days before finding in favor of Eddie Bolden on counts of malicious prosecution, violation of constitutional rights, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Bolden and his legal team were in tears after the verdict was read and had a celebratory lunch after receiving many text messages and phone calls of congratulations. Through “happy tears,” Bolden’s aunt, Brenda Lee, who has been with him throughout the 27-year ordeal, described how he felt like he was on trial again during the case. “I thank God for this blessing. He can finally go on with his life and not think about it every day.”

The team shared a toast at lunch. Said lead attorney Ron Safer, "Five years ago we toasted to an innocent man's freedom. Now we toast to the innocent man's vindication."

Plan to see more photos of Eddie's story in the future as he allows me.

Renata Espinosa, 6, Genesis Espinosa, 5, Allizon Espinosa, 3, Grace Espinosa, 1, and Citlaly Zamudio, 25, died in a house fire likely started by a space heater and without proper exits, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office and fire officials. Zamudio was the mother of the girls, according to Jennie Vana, a Des Plaines spokeswoman. The mother and children were burried in a mass grave with donations from the community. An image I have never made before and will not soon forget.

I am a big fan of actress and director Rebecca Hall, so it was a pleasure to move all the furniture around in a hotel room and photograph her for a story about her directorial debut "Passing" which is on Netflix. Good exercise in making the most of what one can for a lit portrait!

Sports returned in some fashion and I am including a touchdown photo from the Bears 25-24 win over the Seahawks tonight because it was a very snowy surprise!

Some favorite projects included one on historial industrial pollution and environmental concerns on the far Southeast Side of Chicago with the great Will Lee, a fun adventure with important intentions.

Another adventure with Morgan Greene had us staying in a (haunted?) house on a lake in northern Wisconsin and a kayaking trip for a story about toxic algae blooms on Lake Superior. Looking forward to more adventures with Morgan on this topic!

Finally, I am following the story of Sandra Brown with Chicago Tribune reporter Annie Sweeney. Sandra Brown displayed her second "Bessie" typewriter in her dorm room, used in her "quest" over more than a decade, working one class at a time, handwriting or typing her papers and assignments on a typewriter, to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree, all while she was incarcerated behind prison walls, Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Fox Valley Adult Transition Center in Aurora, Illinois. Brown first had to fire off dozens of letters asking programs if they could accept assignments via U.S. mail. Once accepted, she tucked away more than half of her monthly wages earned as a seamstress to pay for classes and buy a typewriter, often forgoing hygiene items and extra food. She had started college before her incarceration and used a college guide in the prison library to first find Ohio University, which has a Correctional Education Program. She started in 2005, eventually saving up enough money to buy a typewriter, which she named "Bessie" in honor of her paternal grandmother, who farmed in Mississippi and was a model of strength to her. Seven years and $8,000 later, Brown, with some scholarship help, completed her bachelor's in specialized studies, with an emphasis in literature. California State University-Dominguez Hills accepted her and also allowed her to complete via correspondence. She again got scholarship help, and in 2016 graduated with a master of arts in humanities. Brown, who is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at California Coast University, said from the start of her quest, she received support and encouragement from Sherrin Fitzer, a prison administrator who proctored her exams and encouraged her to keep going. She is preparing to leave the transition center on January 13, 2022, and we will be there!

Holding positive thoughts for a safe and healthy 2022. Cheers!