Today is one of those milestones that you can’t help but notice. Archer has been gone for two and a half years. Sometimes grief makes this feel so much longer, but also like we lost him yesterday.

Stryder’s school had an in-service day, so we were off work. As a family, we got some things done and then went to the zoo. We couldn’t help but reminisce about Archer as well. Then, we closed out the evening by decorating Archer’s Cove—pumpkin-themed.

All in all, it was a pretty good day. One where we felt Archer’s absence a little more but tried to make the most of what is a ‘crappy’ milestone. I know it may never get easier; the holidays are coming up, and then there are more significant milestones (i.e., Stryder surpassing Archer’s 292nd day of life) in the next few months.

This is going to be a bittersweet season: celebrating firsts, missing out on what should be, and surpassing milestones that no one should ever have to.

One thing I do look forward to is Wave of Light. It’s tomorrow, October 15th, at 7 pm local time. It’s where you can light a candle for one hour to honor any child who has passed. If you would like to light one in Archer’s memory, we would be honored and love to know!

---

Hey Squishy –

I will keep this brief, as I miss you a little extra today.

I miss you oh so much.

I love you even more!

It’s not easy being in a world where you are absent. Every day, we continue to try to live to the fullest and help continue to share your story and legacy.

Love,
Mama