The holidays and the Mavs

Rachel Yahalon, 6, sits on Dror Yahalon's shoulders during the Chanukah with the Mavs event before the Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Bobcats NBA game on December 3, 2013 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Zander Feinstein, 11, second from right, watches the candles burn on the giant Menorah during the Chanukah with the Mavs event before the Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Bobcats basketball game on December 3, 2013 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Go Mavs signs of Brandan Wright sit on empty seats before the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game at the American Airlines Center on November 30, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers dance during the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game at the American Airlines Center on November 30, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

General manager Anthony Porcaro, left, owner Dee Lincoln, center, and chef Juliard Ishizuka pictured at Dee Lincoln Steak and Burger Bar on November 7, 2013 in Dallas. The restaurant, owned by Dee Lincoln, features dishes including steakhouse street tacos, miso eggplant, baby kale salad, and Dee's cut steak. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Construction crews use a crane to move a truss where they will install signs along I-635 for LBJ Express tolling lanes on December 4, 2013 in Dallas. The freeway's expansion will have fluctuating toll prices and open in December. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Meals are served during the annual holiday lunch the Salvation Army on November 28, 2013, Thanksgiving Day, in Dallas. More than 2,000 homeless and other needy people ate a traditional Thanksgiving meal. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Family members Myles Allen, 13, left, Brenda Allen, 11, second from left, Raven Allen, 10, third from left, Mister Runnels, 3, center, Cecilia Allen, third from right,  Jessica Tennyson, second from right, and Brenda Tennyson, right, hold hands and pray during the annual holiday lunch the Salvation Army on November 28, 2013, Thanksgiving Day, in Dallas. More than 2,000 homeless and other needy people ate a traditional Thanksgiving meal. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Kristina Bridgewater performs as the ghetto woman during the Many Faces of Women: The Monologues on December 1, 2013 at the Margo Jones Theater in Dallas. The performance featured a series of monologues by women. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Cast members take the stage after the Many Faces of Women: The Monologues on December 1, 2013 performance at the Margo Jones Theater in Dallas. The performance featured a series of monologues by women. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers dance during the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game at the American Airlines Center on November 30, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker (15) goes up for a basket guarded by Dallas Mavericks point guard Jose Calderon (8) during the second half of NBA action on December 3, 2013 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) crashes into Charlotte Bobcats center Cody Zeller (40) during the first half of NBA action on December 3, 2013 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Mavericks, Head Coach Rick Carlisle yells onto the court during the second half of NBA basketball action against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center on November 30, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Mavericks point guard Shane Larkin (3) chases the ball followed by Dallas Mavericks center Bernard James (5), left, Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Jeff Taylor (44), second from right, and Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41), right, during the first half of NBA action on December 3, 2013 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Vince Carter (25), left, attempts to score against Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Kevin Martin (23), right, during the first half of NBA basketball action at the American Airlines Center on November 30, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Mavericks center DeJuan Blair (45) celebrates after the Dallas Mavericks score during the fourth quarter of NBA action on December 3, 2013 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dolores Boda, left, Alex Boda, 5, center, and Joe Boda, right watch Scrooge of Scrooge Puppet Theatre at NorthPark Center on December 1, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Mitchell Shipp, 6, center, tackles Hanna Krieger, lower center,  during a pickup game of football on November 28, 2013 in Plano. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sawyer's Heart

Sawyer Jones, who recently celebrated his second birthday, has a diseased heart. Sawyer is incredibly brave, usually smiling, and loves cartoons, especially Mickey Mouse. He has been in the hospital since August essentially on life support as he waits for a heart transplant. Sawyer's parents, Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones and his wife Shellie take turns watching over Sawyer so that he is rarely alone. Sawyer's older brother Parker is along for the ride too. What an amazing family. The Jones adopted both of their sons at birth and any child would be lucky to have them as parents. I hope Sawyer gets his heart soon.

Read the full story here.

Sawyer Jones plays with medical devices at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reach age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones, left, spends time with his son Sawyer Jones, 1, center, and his wife Shellie Jones, right, at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reached age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sawyer Jones pictured at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reach age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sawyer Jones, 1, left, holds the hand of his father Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones, right, at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reached age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones, left, adjusts medical wires for his son Sawyer Jones, 1, right, at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reached age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones secures a hospital gown for his older son Parker Jones, 4, at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reached age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Parker Jones, 4, plays with flashlights next to his younger brother Sawyer Jones, 1, at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reach age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sawyer Jones cries in his crib at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reach age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sawyer Jones with leeds connected to his back at Children's Medical Center of Dallas on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. Sawyer Jones hasn't reach age two yet, but he already needs a new heart. His father is Dallas Police Officer Patrick Jones. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Despite growing up in the frozen land of Minnesota I didn't watch much hockey. I did ice skate quite a bit and played a game or two of pond hockey. It was fun watching the pros battle it out on the ice.

Dallas Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski (33), front, defends the goal with Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32), back right, against Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19), back center, during the second period of NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars left wing Ray Whitney (13) skates during the first period of NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ben Smith (28) and Dallas Stars center Shawn Horcoff (10) fight for the puck during the third period of NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars right wing Erik Cole (72), left, and Dallas Stars center Rich Peverley (17) celebrate after a goal during the first period of NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas (3) is taken off the ice after an injury during the second period of NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel (21) dives for the puck during the third period of NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Fans cheer as Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) during the shootout of  NHL hockey action at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate in front of the Dallas Stars bench after the Stars lose the NHL hockey game at the American Airlines Center on November 29, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

JFK 50

This year, November 22, 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was shot during his motorcade down Elm Street in downtown Dallas. Even though I studied this intensively throughout my education, I took every AP history class offered in high school and minored in political science in college, moving to Dallas was the first time I understood the significance of this tragedy to the city itself. It changed this country and the way the rest of the world viewed Dallas. I also became aware of the anger by local and visiting conspiracy theorists. This anniversary was important to them in an entirely different way.

 Throughout the week leading up to the 50th I struggled to cover the anniversary with such a dichotomy of tone. Some tourists came to pay their respects while others jumped out in the road where the shots were fired for a smiling photo op. 

In the morning at Parkland hospital where JFK died I saw people weep over the death of a man their families respected through several generations. A few hours later I was in a sea of protestors who intended to break down barricades to disrupt the ceremony. 

The  event was emotionally charged and meant something to many people in very different ways. 

Traffic is directed at Dealey Plaza on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. November 22, 2013 will be the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Kevin Rigot of Denver drops his hat as he watches the closing prayer of the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination at a display screen on Main Street near the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. "JFK is my hero so I couldn't miss the chance to be here," Rigot said. People gathered to protest and watch the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination from a screen on Main Street. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

A crowd gathers on Main Street near the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Richard P. Sheridan is photographed at Dealey Plaza on November 19, 2013 in Dallas. This Friday, November 22, 2013 will mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Josh Owens, left, Rob Jacobson, center, and Wes Perkins, right, photograph, record and take video of Alex Jones of infowars.com at Dealey Plaza on November 21, 2013 in Dallas. November 22, 2013 will be the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Protestors march from Belo Garden Park towards the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination ceremony on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. People gathered to protest and watch the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination from a screen on Main Street. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Laura Turner, RN, left, Rocio Robles, Emergency Department services unit tech, center, and Cathy Huerta, right, bow their heads in prayer at Parkland Memorial Hospital on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. The event commemorated the 50th anniversary President John F. Kennedy's death, the Dallas county hospital district police lowered the flag in front of the current hospital to half-staff. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Mirthi Lopez of Dallas holds a sign that says LBJ Did It on the steps of Old Red Courthouse on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. People gathered to protest and watch the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination from a screen on Main Street. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Gabbie Glenn, left, and Kenneth Zediker of Florida march from Belo Garden Park towards the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination ceremony on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. People gathered to protest and watch the 50th-anniversary commemoration of John F. Kennedy’s assassination from a screen on Main Street. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Janette Owens, center, and David Owens, right, listen as Michael Scott Aston leads a President John F. Kennedy trolley tour on November 14, 2013 in Dallas. The tour takes groups past the grassy knoll, the scene where of officer J.D. Tippit's was shot, and the house where Lee Harvey Oswald lived. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Lamantha Richardson sheds a tear during a prayer as people gather at Parkland Memorial Hospital to commemorate the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's death on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. Richardson said if you went to her grandmother's house you would see three portraits, one of Jesus, one of Martin Luther King, Jr. and one of President John F. Kennedy. "Even though all three are passed away they are just stuck in my mind," Richardson said. The Dallas county hospital district police lowered the flag in front of the current hospital to half-staff. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Fresh flowers are laid on the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial on November 22, 2013 in Dallas. Friday, November 22, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in downtown Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Scenes from November

Elise Jones walks upstairs on November 20, 2013 at City House's the Goodman House in Plano. City House aims to serve homeless and runaway teens by giving them a place to stay as well as assisting them in other aspects of their lives.(Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Elise Jones, right, prepares to leave the house as her roommate, West Williams, left, wakes up on November 20, 2013 at City House's the Goodman House in Plano. City House aims to serve homeless and runaway teens by giving them a place to stay as well as assisting them in other aspects of their lives.(Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Dawn A. Wu, DDS,  above, performs dental work on Carolyn Brock, below, at the dental clinic at the North Dallas Shared Ministries on November 18, 2013 in Dallas. The non-profit center has updated many of its current resources for area residents. The center has also recently renovated its dental clinic. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Taylor Sulkowski, pre dental student, left, and Holly McKinney, center, dentist, show Erica Lewis, right, her completed dental work done at the dental clinic at the North Dallas Shared Ministries on November 18, 2013 in Dallas. The non-profit center has updated many of its current resources for area residents. The center has also recently renovated its dental clinic. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Resident Drevelyn Matilda Minor greets her grandson outside her apartment at the North Court Villas apartment complex on November 15, 2013 in Frisco. Minor moved to Frisco from Kessler Park after she lost her business. Now, she lives in the low-income complex which was the first in the area to enter a unique agreement with a Dallas-based nonprofit that promotes fair housing by offering subsidized housing units to Dallas Housing Authority clients holding Section 8 vouchers. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Resident Drevelyn Matilda Minor pictured in her apartment at the North Court Villas apartment complex on November 15, 2013 in Frisco. Minor moved to Frisco from Kessler Park after she lost her business. Now, she lives in the low-income complex which was the first in the area to enter a unique agreement with a Dallas-based nonprofit that promotes fair housing by offering subsidized housing units to Dallas Housing Authority clients holding Section 8 vouchers. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Jennifer Quezada marches with North Dallas High School during the Dallas Veterans Parade on November 11, 2013 at Dallas City Hall in Dallas.  The event opened with the Oath of Enlistment Ceremony and honored past and present United States war veterans. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

The Missing Man formation is demonstrated during the Dallas Veterans Parade on November 11, 2013 at Dallas City Hall in Dallas. The event opened with the Oath of Enlistment Ceremony and honored past and present United States war veterans. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Sam Brown leads the Pledge of Allegiance during the Dallas Veterans Parade on November 11, 2013 at Dallas City Hall in Dallas.  The event opened with the Oath of Enlistment Ceremony and honored past and present United States war veterans. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Gary Morrow pictured at his home on November 20, 2013 in Dallas. Morrow was in 6th-grade in Dallas on the day the assassination of President John F. Kennedy occurred. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Gary Morrow pictured at his home on November 20, 2013 in Dallas. Morrow was in 6th-grade in Dallas on the day the assassination of President John F. Kennedy occurred. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

The area next to White Rock Lake Trail pictured on November 12, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)

Cassadee Pope, winner of season three of The Voice performs at AT&T Plaza on November 19, 2013 in Dallas. Pope is currently promoting her album Frame by Frame.  (Sarah Hoffman/Dallas Morning News)