Who am I?

That’s a great question. If you asked me in early 2022 who I was, the first thing I would tell you is that I am married to my husband, Theo, and a mom to the cutest little boy, Archer. (Yes, I am biased.)

Today, I would honestly tell you that I have no clue who I am.

When I found out Archer was sick, I was scared for the unknown. I was scared I would lose my son. I was afraid of what life would look like after he passed away. People would tell me that it would be okay, and I had to explain that outside of Theo and myself, everyone else got to escape this nightmare when they went home. We don’t get to escape… It all feels like a bad dream, and you cannot wake up. While I didn’t find being a mom easy, I found it fulfilling and the best title I could have in my life; in the blink of an eye, my son and title were gone…

When introducing myself to anyone I have just met, or even you, my instinct is to talk about my family, my son, and the things I love. However, the moment I mention I am a mom, the questions and comments flood in:

How old?
Boy or girl?
Enjoy every minute because time flies.

How do you tell someone I am a mom; they then ask about your child. I have two options: (1) either ignore the comment or (2) explain that my child passed away. It feels wrong either way. However, I want people to know Archer and the blessing he was and the impact he made in my life. (That’s why this blog exists: a one-way conversation for me to share my journey.)

I know I will figure out who I am again. But I would do anything if I could cuddle with him, see his smile, listen to him babble, play with him, or just hold his hand one more time…. I was a mom to one, but now a mom to none. 

Archer’s newborn photo shoot. He was 12 days old.

12 responses to “Who am I?”

  1. You are one of the bravest Moms I know♥️

  2. Brittney, thank you for your heart and transparency, this will bring healing and I believe God can use this to help another parent or person that has lost their identity in life for a multitude of reasons.

  3. Powerful! I want you to know how inspired I am by you. I know I’ve said it a lot, but you are a great mom, and Archer was blessed to call you mama. You’ve gone through something that is very difficult to fathom for a lot of people, however, you had an unconditional love for Archer that words cannot describe! I’m excited to read your story and see your heart open through this blog!

  4. Always praying for you and Theo! Please remember – you will always be a mom! That title never leaves you, no matter where your child is. Give yourself time/grace to grieve. ❤️❤️

  5. Danielle Kroll Avatar
    Danielle Kroll

    We’ve never met but I know of Archer through your brother, Landon. I have been praying for you, Theo and Archer every night since Landon asked for prayer a couple weeks ago. I cannot fathom the immense pain you are going through and I don’t understand why God allows these tragedies but I am praying He surrounds you with peace, comfort and mercy every moment. Thinking of you and your family and remembering sweet Archer with you.

  6. Your writing is beautiful 🙏❤️

  7. Thank you for sharing your heart, your thoughts, your journey. I love you guys and will continue to remember sweet Archer with you.

  8. My answer to you is that you are still a mom. Your words express the caring feelings only a mom could share and you hold true love in your heart for your son.
    Stay the course and your “angel son” will help you through this.

  9. Jessica Gonzalez Avatar
    Jessica Gonzalez

    This message is so loving and honest and I will continue to pray for you guys often.

  10. Jen Chandler Avatar
    Jen Chandler

    You are amazing mom. That dose’nt change when are children are no longer here with us….. I too struggled with this question after Joseph passed. I too didnt know who i was and your right everyone else gets to go home to there lives and not feel this pain. I pray that God will show you who you are in him.

  11. This is beautiful and inspiring. I can’t even begin to imagine what you and Theo are going through. I will continue to think of you and your family ❤️

  12. Marilyn Buenning Avatar
    Marilyn Buenning

    Just read your blog Brittney and saw a picture of Archer today that your mom shared with me. He was such a lovely 9 month old boy. Always hard to understand why the Lord takes a loved one from us. I always remember my father telling me many years ago God chooses special ones for his garden in heaven. Pray God wraps his loving arms around you during this difficult time in your life and draws you closer to him.

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