This has been the week from hell.

I came back from holiday last week only to find out my cat had some sort of mystery illness. I was riddled with anxiety as I thought it was going to be something serious like cancer, but it turned out to be a bacterial infection which is treatable with medication. I found this out on Wednesday and felt such a sense of relief. I then wake up on Thursday morning to find out my nephew has passed away. He had Down's syndrome and epilepsy but neither of those things ever got in the way of him living life to the fullest. He was the most resilient and loving person I've ever known. He'd immediately lift me out of any bad mood as he'd say the most hilarious things. My sister found him in his bed on Thursday morning and said that he just wouldn't wake up. She said he looked so peaceful like he was simply sleeping. This entire thing just doesn't feel real. It's as if I'm having an out of body experience and typing about somebody else. I just can't believe it. My entire family have been shattered into pieces, but I'm trying to stay as strong as I can so that I can be there to support my sister and her husband. 

I don't tend to post much about my family on here, as I am generally a private person, but I've became close with a few people recently and I didn't want to just disappear without saying anything. I'm taking a break from ATRL whilst I take the time to grieve but I have a solid circle of friends / family around me, so we'll take care of each other. 

I can't believe these photos were taken only last month. My sister told me that he kept asking her if he could come to the gym to train with me as he wanted big muscles like his uncle Jordan. I loved spending time with him and I felt so proud that he wanted to come to the gym with me. This was only the beginning. Why is life so cruel sometimes? 



I just really want to wake up from this nightmare. I don't know where you've gone, but I hope you're at peace and are still finding ways to laugh. Uncle Jordan loves you lots Archie. Thanks for being my hero. xx 

P.S - Please don't forget to tell your friends and family how much you love them whilst they're still here. 

I’m so, so sorry for your loss. There’s nothing I can say right now that will comfort you, but from what I can see, I hope you know that he enjoyed every minute he spent with you. This is going to be one of the hardest things you’ll ever endure, there will be good days and really awful moments while you grapple with your grief. I know you’ll try to be a comfort for your sister, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. We are here for you if you need a comforting shoulder. And if you want to share any happy moments when you’re in a better place for it. 
 

Sending you a hug man. I’m so sorry. @The Man Who

Oh I'm so so sorry :( take all the time to grieve, losing family members is never easy, let alone incredibly close ones. He seemed incredibly happy with you in the photos, I'm sure he cherished that special bond and was so thankful to have you in his life 

I'm so sorry. It seemed like you two had a very close relationship. My condolences 

I'm so sorry for your loss. It looks like you and Archie had a very special bond, thank you for telling us about him and sharing some of your memories with us.

 

Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

I'm so sorry, I can understand your pain 

 

sending a warm hug. 

i'm so sorry for your lost  sending love to you and your family on this sad time 

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm an uncle to two of the most beautiful young boys and can't imagine life without them. Praying that you one day find peace and are able to heal from such a traumatic experience ❤️

I'm really sorry for your loss, thought & prayers for you and your family 

So sorry for your loss. My condolences 

Sending all the love to you and your family.

So sorry to hear that, sending you and your family a lot of love

I'm so sorry for your loss

 

Thank you for sharing his story with us, he seemed so lovely  I hope the burden of your grief will be easier to endure soon

I'm so sorry to hear that. My deepest condolences to you and your family. 

Im so sorry to read this. I don't know you but I'm sending all the love and light. 
 

my brother has downe's syndrome and is on seizure medication so this post hit hard … 

 

sending all the love. ❤️

What you had with him, and still have, is so special. It will remain so. Big hug @The Man Who

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Sending you a big hug, my deepest condolences to you and your family in this time Those pictures are adorable, he was clearly an incredibly loved child.

so sorry for your loss 

 

you bring such a nice level of light to ATRL with your threads… sending you love!

I teared up a little while reading your post and I can understand the pain of losing someone close to you. I wish you my deepest condolences and stay strong. 

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing someone you love truly never gets easier. I hope you can find your space to grieve with your family and cherish the memories you made with him and may you be well.

sending so much love and healing 

I can see from the photos and your words how much happiness and love you brought your nephew in the time that he was here as well as how much happiness and love he brought you. what a special connection to have, and his memory will live on through you and everyone else who loved him.

Losing someone is so difficult especially when it's so sudden and unexpected. I'm so sorry for your loss. 

I'm very sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and the whole family. RIP Archie! 

Oh no, my heart breaks for you and your family! I am so sorry for your loss. Can't even imagine what this must feel like. Hopefully you'll find strength in each other at this difficult time and have the space to grieve and get through this as time goes by. 

So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love & positive energy