On Dec. 30, the Star Tribune will publish essays about Minnesotans who exemplify the lives we lost in 2012, the inspirations they sparked and the legacies they left. We call them our "Northern Lights." Have you been inspired by someone who passed away this year? Please describe how that person was special, in 300 words or fewer, and upload a photo at www.startribune.com/yourstories, and we'll share the story of your "Northern Light."