Vince was my cousin but growing up he really felt more like an older brother to me. He was only a year older. There are honestly too many memories to count.. holidays, birthdays, sleepovers, running around in the backyard, playing hide and seek in the basement, playing video games, making him watch Brooke and me perform our dances, and watching movies on repeat. So many of my childhood memories have Vince in them.
He was always so kind to me, protective of me and made me feel included. When I moved to St. George to go to Dixie State University, Vince was the only person I knew. I was so nervous and he completely took me under his wing. He let me hang out with him and his friends, introduced me to so many people and made me feel like I belonged.
I still laugh thinking about all the girls who had crushes on him growing up. They’d realize I was Vince Romero’s cousin and suddenly want to be my best friend.. I would always tease Vince about it and we would both laugh.
I’ve also always seen so much of Vince in my son, even in some of his little mannerisms. He’s smart, athletic, kind, and the type of person who stands up for others. He even loves the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Harry Potter like Vince did. There are just so many little things about him that remind me of Vince. I’ve always been proud of that but it means even more to me now.
I’m so grateful I got to grow up with Vince and have all of these memories with him. I’ll always be grateful for the way he looked out for me and made me feel like I belonged.