Ariana Marie Castro

I was born in Chicago on December 5, 2007. I was an only child for many years until my brother Lucas arrived in 2014. Shortly after Liam arrived in 2016. I was so excited to finally have siblings. I enjoyed being a big sister and tried to show my brothers everything! I reminded them of what it meant to be a good friend and how to always choose kindness. I gave them the best advice I could on gaming, soccer and many other tidbits that made me who I am. I love them dearly and always did my best to look out for them.

Growing up, I was always surrounded by family. My grandparents Amalia and Melchor were always there for me. They made sure I knew what it meant to have great grandparents and I always felt loved and special in every way a granddaughter should. I had the best aunts and uncles. I was quiet around most of them, but always enjoyed their company. My cousins meant the world to me; especially Sebastian and Juan Jr. We were close in age and even though I was the youngest of the three, I was older in my boss nature. There was never a moment I did not enjoy with them and honestly treated them as brothers. I also had another “brother” named Elijah. He is my brother from another mother since grammar school and is basically part of our family. He was always there for me whenever I needed him and I offered my unsolicited advice every chance I got. I had a lot of other friends that I made at school or soccer. I really cherished each and every one of them. They brought me a different kind of happiness each moment I spent with them and allowed me to be all of the different versions of myself.

Growing up, my parents tried to show me the good in world, but also made sure I understood the bad. I think having exposure to both sides of the world is what really made me, Me. My parents shared stories of them growing up. I chose different in some situations or mimicked my parents choices. In the end, I always chose what was best for me and my parents allowed me to grow into an amazing individual. I was always so full of life and happiness. I embraced the sadness too and used it to drive me in a different direction or feel the feels in my music. I enjoyed life and had so many chances to experience life to the fullest. My happiness was so contagious and I did not even realize my impact.

I had a very special relationship with my parents. My dad and I always bonded over shoes and who would get the next new Jordans. I always knew he would get me new ones as long as we could have matching pairs. We bonded over food and soccer too! Food is life for us and all meals should include a good piece of steak! Especially if it is made by him. My dad has played soccer all his life and I always wanted to follow in his steps for soccer. I thrived this year improving my game and actually practicing. I always tried to bypass the practicing part and my dad would remind me that a good game is played by someone who actually practices. I loved learning new things from him and loved when my parents watched me play. My mom and I bonded over everything. We talked every morning as she made lunches and yes…my mom made my lunch every day. I loved when she did because she always included extra and everyone knew I would have snacks if they ever needed. I turned to my mom for advice on school, friends, clothes, relationships and much more. I was and always will be my mom’s person and BFF. We had a unique bond that kept us both honest with each other always. I truly love my parents and they love me so deeply and beyond words.

My memory will live on in my family and friends. This page allows you to continue to come back and look at different photos or videos or write me updates! Remember that the last 16 years were only a few chapters of my journey and I will live on in each and every one of you!