TAMPA, Fla. -- At first, there was resistance to putting up Christmas decorations in Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett's home. His wife, Jordanna, didn't feel like celebrating. And his 31st birthday last month was particularly difficult.
But Shaquil Jr., 11, insisted, so the Barrett family began decorating. And maybe their daughter Aaliyah's newfound connection to angels had a hand in it, too.
It's been nearly eight months since the Barrett's 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the family's pool. Eight months of missed bubble baths, pink tutus, bedtime stories -- "Ten Little Night Stars" was her favorite -- and her infectious laugh.