If you don’t know, I have one nephew and one niece. My nephew was born about nine months before Archer was born, and my niece was born one month after Archer walked through the gates of heaven.

About a month ago, I watched them play at a family event and realized they would never know Archer. My nephew met him many times, and I am thankful I have pictures of them together, but he will never grow up with his cousin. My niece and any future nieces or nephews will never have met Archer.

Archer’s life was too short, and it sinks in hard knowing so many family members will never have met him.

I am grateful for a family that loves Archer so much.

My brother and sister-in-law took their kids to the zoo this week to see Archer’s bench. They sat on it and took a gorgeous picture of their kids, each touching the memorial plate.

Something I am thankful for beyond my family loving Archer is their willingness to ensure Archer is still a part of this family. They ensure that Archer is part of the conversation, even when Theo and I are not around.

While my niece and nephew may never grow up with Archer or have met him, they will definitely know who Archer is, his story, and how he left such an imprint on the world.