On Sunday, April 14th, Archer had his second angelversary. I’m still in a bit of denial and shock that two years have passed since he left this earth. 

Last year, we got the whole family together and went to a hotel and waterpark to be together. This year looked different, which we expected, because of Stryder’s arrival. Not to say that Stryder changed how we honored Archer, but we just weren’t sure we were ready to take a newborn anywhere (as I am nervous about sickness).

However, I knew I could not be in our house because Archer had passed away there. We knew we would have to figure out where to go with Stryder. 

When we were planning this a few months back, I asked my parents if we could stay with them at their home. They graciously welcomed us in and let us stay for a few days (April 14th—15th). 

We didn’t do much on any of these days, but we did recognize the 14th as it came. Theo and I specifically did two things that Archer loved in his lifetime. 

1. We took Stryder on a very long walk. Archer loved to be in the stroller, feel the sun on his face, and nap, so it felt fitting to do the same with Stryder.
2. Archer was such an easy baby that we could set him up in his boppy or bouncer outside with us throughout his life. Theo and I would read, and Archer would nap or look contently around. We were blessed with good weather to do the same with Stryder. 

While it may seem like we just replaced Archer with Stryder in these activities, we know they are different, and we did both things to honor brother. 

On April 15th, before we went home, we decided to go to the Milwaukee Zoo. (We had been a week prior and were saddened that Archer’s bench was not out yet. We wanted to show Stryder the bench and get our first family photos there. We scoured the zoo, and they stated that the benches would likely go out around Memorial Day.)

We walked the zoo and looked at the various animals. I asked Theo if we could walk the long way around the Elephants this time. During this, Theo mentioned that he thought more benches had been put out, and that we should go over by the Red Pandas after to see if Archer’s got put out. 

However, to our surprise, we went past one bench by the elephants. Theo looked at the nameplate, and there it was! We were so pleased to stumble upon Archer’s bench. (No, it will not stay by the elephants, but it will eventually go back by the Red Pandas.) 

Either way, it felt like such a God moment. My heart felt so full to go to the zoo (even if the day after his angelversary) and take pictures on his bench. 

Overall, Archer’s angelversary was an emotionally difficult day. We got through it. I miss him so much, especially as I watch Stryder grow. It makes me remember all the times we spent together, and we feel the hole in our family. 

We talk about Archer to Stryder all the time. We look forward to the years when we all get to celebrate Archer’s life together and have Stryder (and future kids) understand and take part in honoring their brother. 

Thank you to everyone who lit a candle in honor of Archer, messaged us, and prayed for us. We appreciate you remembering Archer’s life! It’s all we can ask for as bereaved parents.