Two Years Without You, A Lifetime of Love 💜

Sweet Arie,

It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since we last held you, kissed your cheeks, and felt the warmth of your presence. Time moves forward, but our hearts still ache with the weight of missing you. February 14th—Arie Day—will always be more than just a date on the calendar. It is a day we set aside to honor you, to remember the love and joy you brought into our lives, and to remind ourselves that you are still with us in so many ways.

We miss you every single day. There are moments when the world feels so quiet without you, and others when a certain song, a laugh, or even a soft breeze through the trees reminds us that you are still near. Your absence is felt in every part of our home, in every family moment, in the spaces where you should be. But even in the sorrow, there is gratitude— gratitude for the time we had with you, for the love you gave so freely, and for the lessons you taught us without ever needing words.

Arie, you changed us. You showed us the meaning of strength, of unconditional love, of finding joy in the smallest moments. Because of you, we love harder, hold each other closer, and cherish every second we have together. You taught Austin and Addison what it means to be compassionate and patient, and even now, they carry those lessons with them. You made us better, and that is a gift we will never take for granted.

We wish you were here, but we also know that in many ways, you still are. We see you in the warmth of the sun, in the rustling leaves of your tree, in the gentle reminders that love never truly leaves us. And as we gather to celebrate you on Arie Day, we will do what we always do—laugh, cry, share memories, and honor the beautiful soul you were and always will be.

We love you endlessly, sweet girl. Keep watching over us, and know that we carry you with us in all we do!

Forever and always,

💜Mom & Dad

Balloon release at Arie's tree