Siblings are usually the first friends you have growing up. In many cases they are the unconditional support system you have throughout your adolescent years.
Junior Danielle Romero has felt like a piece of her support system has been missing since she was a child. Her brother Carlos died at two months old and the traumatic event completely changed the dynamics of her household. “Along with losing my brother I feel like I lost a piece of myself.”

Growing up without her brother’s presence, she wonders whether she would be any different. “I was only 2 years old,” Romero said. “But there is always a part of me that wonders what our bond would have been like.”

The relationship she shares with her parents has never been the same. Her parents weren’t in the right state of mind to take care of her. “My grandparents took me in,” she said. “They have been the best support system I could ask for.”

Although she is missing a puzzle piece, she feels it’s important to stay focused and live for her baby brother who never got the chance.

Senior Lamonte Thompson’s family was forced to feel the harsh realities of absence last November. Losing his step-brother was something that silenced his household. His brother died at age 25 from a heart-related incident.

Dino Holmes was on the spectrum, making the best out of his disorder. Thompson recalls his brother’s bright personality during any situation. Despite his setbacks, he never let anything dim his bubbly sense of humor. “He was always positive,” he said. “When I walk past his room I can’t even bear to step inside of it without imagining his laugh.”

Thompson never went a day without feeling the love and support from his brother. Everything from football to basketball games his brother was there to show the unconditional bond they shared regardless of being just step-siblings.

To keep his brother’s legacy alive, his family is in the works of starting a foundation to raise awareness for children in with special needs. “I love being part of this,” Thompson said. “I get to do something that not only impacts me but an entire community.”

Freshman Darrion Kelley has always looked up to his big brother Rodney Watts. Not only was he a great support system for Kelley growing up, he tried to guide Kelley in the best ways and prevent him from the troubling life he’s had in past years.

Kelley recalls the day he received the news. “I got home from school and a lot of my family members were there all crying.” He instantly knew something was wrong. His first instinct was to find his brother. When the reality set in that Watts was the only one missing in the picture he broke down. He had been a victim of police brutality, shot and killed at the age of 30.

Living without his oldest sibling has made him really appreciate people and the impact they have on him. “Everything can be taken from you so fast,” Kelley said. “There is no point to hold grudges and be angry over petty things.”