2009 was a difficult year for a lot of people. In response to the lost jobs, lost homes, major and minor tragedies, personal frustrations, heartbreak, etc., I am asking people to e-mail me photos of the worst experiences they had last year. They will become part of a collection that represents some of last year's heartache.

I invite you to submit a photograph and share your own.

Please e-mail your submissions to 2009@aroughyear.com .

Thank you.

-Lilly McElroy