Twins, teammates and buddies, brothers Nick, left, and Griffin Shirey of Island Lake are pictured during a swim meet. Griffin was killed a year ago in a car crash. "Grif is my brother. End of story. He is with me. Always," Nick said during a dedication of a picnic table in his brother's honor.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Holding a photograph of her twin sons, Griffin, left, and Nick Shirey playing with a dolphin, Britt Steinhoff of Island Lake strives to celebrate Christmas with Nick while keeping Griffin's memory alive. A year ago, the twins were in a car crash that killed 10-year-old Griffin.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Twins, teammates and buddies, brothers Nick, left, and Griffin Shirey of Island Lake are pictured during a swim meet. Griffin was killed a year ago in a car crash.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

Even though the twin brothers were sitting in the back seat and wearing seat belts, the impact of the crash on Dec. 12, 2011, killed 10-year-old Griffin Shirey and critically injured Nick Shirey. Nick has recovered from his physical injuries and says, "I miss my brother every day and always will."

Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer

The fifth-grade class at Cotton Creek School in Island Lake donated a picnic bench in memory of Griffin Shirey, who was killed last year in a car crash. The bench sits behind the school.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer