Hi everyone…I’m still here! I know it’s been about 2 months since I’ve posted anything, and for that I really apologize. I never meant to fall of the face of the earth, I swear. For a full reason behind my mini-hiatus, read my latest blogspot post here.

Part of the reason I come back now is due to this tragedy: Last Thursday night, Kelli Joy O’Laughlin was brutally, horrifically stabbed to death in her home in suburban Illinois, a mere block or two from my house. Kelli was beautiful, smart, and loved by everyone that knew her. She was part of my tennis team, and while I never personally knew her because she was on the freshman/sophomore team, I saw her everyday in the locker room. I cannot believe, now, that I never once thought to introduce myself to her, or strike up a conversation.

My entire community and high school has banded together in the face of this tragedy, and next Friday I’ll be playing in a memorial tennis tournament for Kelli. I still get chills every time I think about what has happened. I went to the funeral yesterday, and I don’t think I have ever cried so much in my life. Kelli has touched the lives of even those that did not know her. Thankfully, they have caught the murderer.

I ask everyone to send their thoughts and prayers to Kelli’s family and friends right now. No words can express the grief that they are experiencing…

I realize now that while I have been busy, I still need to blog. It’s therapeutic for me, and right now I need a place to express my thoughts. I hope that everyone has been well these past few months. Feel free to send me an inbox or formspring message if you’d like to talk. <3