The holiday season holds dark days for those who will be missing a family member for the fi rst time this year. Telling a loved one’s story makes things a little brighter. It is an Illinois Times tradition to use our last edition of the year – Dec. 26 this year – to remember those local people who have died in the past year. Readers are invited to send us a photo and a brief (200 words) tribute to one they have loved and lost, to be included in our annual “Remembering the lives they lived,” edition. Send by email to remembering@illinoistimes.com. Deadline is Thursday, Dec. 12. See details on page 18.