last night, about 4 minutes before tipoff, my wife called me (she's on the road for work). A phone call from her right before an Illini game means it's important (she wouldn't call just for fun at a time like that...she knows I'm not going to be paying attention), so I immediately answered. Her aunt was admitted to the ICU due to a medical condition, and they weren't sure how bad it was.
It was a real bummer, and I really lost focus on the game, though I still watched it. Even when we were getting our butts kicked, it was a little relief from the stress of knowing a sick family member and not being able to do much. Then what happened to Ayo was a second kick in the gut.
This morning, we found out that she's stabilized and is actually doing a bit better. Certainly not out of the woods, but a positive step. Then this news on Ayo. Really, it's been the best possible result of the day after yesterday.
It's crazy how much of a rollercoaster life can be. Really happy for Ayo and his family, and Illini nation has his back! Now going to work for more positive days just like i'm sure Ayo and the team will.