After Archer

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."- Winnie the Pooh 

Happy 1st Birthday, Archer!

June 26, 2022

Archer would have been 1 year old. Theo and I have been having a pretty rough week, as his birthday has been approaching. Yes, blog to talk all about this soon! We were sitting in the car looking at the number of people who are reading our story and Archer’s. We got to talking about what the perfect birthday gift would be for Archer:

YOU!

I know he isn’t going to be getting real gifts, but I think that he would want to know that his parents are loved and supported, in his absence.

What are Theo and I requesting of you?

We would love to hear from you!

Let me give you ideas of how you can do this:
1. If you knew Archer, tell us your favorite memory or story about him.
2. If you didn’t know Archer, pray for us or leave us an encouraging message.
3. Tell us how Archer and/or our story has impacted you, a friend, family, or coworker.
4. Share our blog to continue to help reach people who may need to hear our story.
5. All of the above.

Where to share?

Here! We want to be able to look back at the blog each year and read these stories, comments, encouraging messages, prayers, thoughts, memories, and more.

One rule: Please be kind

Thank you in advance!

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16 responses to “Happy 1st Birthday, Archer!”

  1. Nancy Redlich Avatar
    Nancy Redlich

    I haven’t gotten to meet Archer yet but I know I will. In the mean time I always enjoy the pictures of him – some of that is seeing how God made him the perfect combo of the two of you in his features. His smile will forever be uplifting to see. Happy Birthday in heaven, Archer.

    Reply
  2. Debbie Endres Avatar
    Debbie Endres

    David and I, though we never met Archer in person, are gripped by pictures of his smile, his precious spirit strong to connect with those he loved. He was true to who God made him to be in all his moments until Jesus took him home. He instructs us still.

    Reply
  3. Caitlin Dremel Avatar
    Caitlin Dremel

    Loss, in my opinion, is not an open wound but a scar. It is ragged and beautiful, it is a reminder that something that once was has forever changed. The scar itself may diminish with time but in some form will always remain. True loss is constant, bittersweet and remains. Your love for Archer is present in your loss and I feel it when I read through your journey.

    I wish I could help ease your pain.
    I wish you didn’t lose something so precious and the infinite possibilities of a child’s future.
    I wish I knew how to mend a broken heart.

    What I do know is that you sharing your journey has such a depth and pull to those who read it. I know that Archer was truly a gift to those around him during his time here and although I never meant him personally, his smile made me smile. He touched the lives around him and lives on through you both. I truly hope you find healing and that the scar of his loss is carried with you but that you both always remember that infinite possibilities are not just for children. You both have infinite stories and possibilities within you. I wish you only the best stories for the rest of your lives. If you ever have need, lean on those around you and know that we are here for you as well.

    Reply
  4. Sarah Peppers Avatar
    Sarah Peppers

    Archer, I remember the Saturday you were born because we were at your Auntie and Uncle’s house and heard that your Mommy was in labor. I remember being so happy for your parents, knowing that it would be the best day of their lives! We look forward to the day that we get to celebrate your birthday with you in Heaven! I hope that my babies in Heaven are attending an amazing birthday party for you today. My daughter on Earth would have been in the same grade as you, and I promise that I will remember you and pray for your Mom & Dad, especially on the big days. I pray that your Mom & Dad will experience peace, comfort, healing and beauty in their lives until the day you are all reunited in glory. We love you, we look forward to meeting you, and Happy 1st Birthday.

    Reply
  5. Payton Avatar
    Payton

    Just wanted to say I’m thinking about you guys! All of you! My son and Archer actually share a birthday.
    I worked with Archer a few times while I filled in in his classroom and he always had the best smile on his face. He was definitely a child that made the day better.

    Reply
  6. Jorden Avatar
    Jorden

    I don’t have many memories of the lil guy sadly, but I do remember watching Theo holding him once, and Archer was just locked onto staring at him. Just looking right into Theo’s face, and not paying attention to anything else, as Theo talked to us. He just looked so intrigued and loving. He was a precious little guy, and that’s one moment I’ll remember.

    Reply
  7. Eileen Piasecki Avatar
    Eileen Piasecki

    Happy birthday, Little One. Watch over your family as only you can. We can’t wait to meet you in heaven along with those in our family where joy will be everlasting. Love you.

    Reply
  8. Nikki Avatar
    Nikki

    Happy 1st Birthday Buddy.. I hope you are listening all the time to Wheels on The Bus and Baby Shark I knew those were a couple of your favorites… There is not a day that I don’t think about you.. I wish you were here to see you start walking…. I know you are walking up in heaven I bet you are smiling at how your daddy and mommy are talking about you and their blog… i hope you have the best day celebrating and being THE BIG ONE!!!!!!

    Reply
  9. Jenni Robinson Avatar
    Jenni Robinson

    Happy heavenly birthday dear Archer. While I never got to meet you in person while you were here on earth, your mommy and daddy shared so much of your short life with us all in pictures and stories of your life and little adventures. Their love for you is so deeply felt as they keep your spirit alive. I loved your cute little smile in pictures and the smiles on their faces in them with you. Your memory will never be forgotten. I send love, hugs and prayers to you Brittney and Theo as you celebrate Archer’s 1st birthday. I hope you take comfort in knowing that he has touched so many lives during his short journey of life here on earth and know he is always with you in spirit.

    Reply
  10. Kelsey Avatar
    Kelsey

    My favorite memory of Archer. I wasn’t able to see him as often as I wanted due to health concerns with my job. However, I remember first meeting him. I came over with everyone and you asked if I wanted to hold him. The second I had him in my arms everything around me went quiet. He had my everything. All I could do was stare at hid perfect little face. Every little detail engraved into my heart. Within minutes he was completely knocked in my arms, I never wanted it to end. Even with him snoozing all of my focus and attention remained on him. His little breaths, the smallest fingers I’ve ever seen, and the little quiver his lips would do while sucking his pacifier.
    That day he took a piece of my heart, and that piece will forever belong to him.♡

    Reply
  11. Kim Kerry Avatar
    Kim Kerry

    Of course Archer’s infamous smile is etched in my heart and mind! Happy first birthday in heaven, sweet Archer! We will keep loving and supporting your mommy and daddy here until you’re together again in heaven! Love, Kim Kerry

    Reply
  12. Jessika Tollefson Avatar
    Jessika Tollefson

    Every single time I saw Archer he had the biggest smile. His bright blue eyes pulled you in. He is so so loved by his entire church family and forever will be. We love and miss you Archer. ❤️

    Reply
  13. Camber Posewitz Avatar
    Camber Posewitz

    Sending thoughts and prayers as your family celebrates Archer’s 1st birthday in heaven. The pictures I’ve seen and stories I’ve heard from Uncle Kyle all paint a beautiful picture of the joy and love shared through Archer’s life. I am looking forward to meeting you both soon to hear more stories and learn more about Archer’s life.

    Reply
  14. Mercedes Avatar
    Mercedes

    Brittney and Theo

    I worked at Kindercare and got to spend some time with Archer. I seen a baby holding her hands similar to the way Archer used to and it made me smile thinking about him. It also made me miss seeing him smile or how peaceful he looked when he held his hands together. It made me a little sad when I came to visit the infants and he was napping lol He always made my tougher days better with his snuggles

    I pray for the both of you today. It makes me happy to know that God put you two together so you guys could have each other during this, to have each other to hold and support one another in this life.

    Reply
  15. Moriah Avatar
    Moriah

    🎉Happy birthday Archer 🎉
    You are such a special little man, and the impact you had and continue to is inspiring. You were the first baby to enter our friend group, and my goodness were you the best addition to come. I remember the anticipation and excitement that spread through everyone when we found out. I remember finally being able to meet and hold you for the first time in a room full of people who already loved you so much. I remember receiving pictures in the group chat, only getting cuter and cuter as you grew.
    I even lucked out one night when your mom & dad asked if I could hang out with you, Zelda, and Zeus. You were nothing but the best company for the night, just chilling out & snuggling as we watched a couple Disney movies.
    You will never forgotten Archer, and I hope you feel every ounce of love from everyone celebrating you.

    Love you Brittney and Theo 💕
    Thank you for sharing Archer’s story and your journey through this.

    Reply
  16. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    Happy 1st Birthday sweet Archer. You have an immeasurable amount of people who cannot wait to hug you some day when they reach heaven!

    Reply

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