Riggins Carl Bradley Fickel

Our precious son, Riggins Carl Bradley Fickel, was born on August 29, 2026. For 42 beautiful minutes, we had the privilege of holding him in our arms, loving him, and letting him know just how deeply he was wanted.

But Riggins’s life and the love surrounding him began long before those 42 minutes.

From the moment we knew he existed, Riggins was deeply loved. For months, his mommy carried him close to her heart, loving every kick, movement, and reminder that her little boy was there. He was talked to, prayed over, and loved every single day while he grew inside her.

His big sister, Ryla, loved her baby brother before she ever had the chance to meet him. She would kiss Mommy’s tummy to give Riggins kisses and tickle her belly to try to make her little brother laugh. Those sweet moments between a big sister and her baby brother are memories we will treasure forever. Riggins knew the sound of his family’s voices and was surrounded by their love throughout his entire life.

When we learned that Riggins was sick, he showed us just how strong such a tiny little boy could be. He was prayed for by his family, friends, church, and so many others. We fought for every opportunity to give him a chance, and through every appointment, procedure, prayer, fear, and hope, he was never alone.

During his 42 minutes with us, Riggins knew nothing but love. He was held close by his mommy and daddy, surrounded by the people who had fought for him, prayed for him, and loved him every step of the way. We were blessed to see his beautiful face, hold his tiny body, and hear his sweet cry. Those 42 minutes will never feel like enough, but they will forever be some of the most precious minutes of our lives.

Riggins leaves behind his loving parents, Cassidy and Ryan, and his big sister, Ryla, who will always know and love her baby brother. He is also deeply loved by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, church family, and the many people whose lives were touched by his story.

We would have given anything for more time with our sweet boy, but we find comfort in knowing that when Riggins left our arms, he entered the arms of Jesus. We believe he is whole, safe, and loved beyond anything we could imagine—and that this goodbye is not forever.

Riggins will always be our son. Ryla will always be his big sister. His life will always be spoken about, his name will always be said, and he will forever have a place in our family.

For months beneath Mommy’s heart.

42 minutes in our arms.

Forever in our hearts.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” - Jeremiah 1:5