It's obvious by the look on my face that I loved him from the moment I saw him.

Apparently I stood at the end of his cot for weeks saying ``don't touch'' or ``be gentle'' to every visitor.

I don't think much has changed over the years.

There's something special about the bond shared between siblings which is why Nathan Langham (see story on page1) is one of the bravest people I know.

His sister Erin was only 16 when she was killed in a car accident six years ago and I could tell he was still in a lot of pain.

When I asked him about the accident tears filled his eyes and I thought maybe he still wasn't ready to talk about it.

But it didn't matter how sad he was, Nathan answered every question and told me what it felt like not to have his sister around any more.

I'm so glad he agreed to share his story.

We have had so many road deaths in Wollondilly that there are many more brothers and sisters who have suffered like Nathan big brothers and sisters who wish they had been able to protect their siblings, or little brothers and sisters who miss having someone older around to lead the way.

The tough thing for Nathan is that Erin died during those teenage years when most brothers and sisters argue over the small stuff like washing dishes and who has the bigger bedroom.

He didn't get to see how the bond between siblings can change over time.

Before I started school my little brother was my favourite toy, then after a few years of fighting over the remote I realised that he had stuck by me through some tough times and somewhere along the line he had become my best friend.

I think Nathan knows the same thing would have happened to him if Erin was still here today.

I know she would have been very proud of the person her big brother had become.

I hope that after hearing his story we can all spare a thought for the brothers and sisters who have died on our roads and the brave siblings they left behind.