Maddie’s Mom

I often describe my wife as the rock of our family. I think most moms out there would fit the same description for their family. But when I say I could not have gone through this whole process without my wife, I truly mean it. Nicole does not know the strength she gives me.

It was 5 pm as I was holding Maddie. She started to convulse on my lap. Her eyes were open, but I could not find my little girl. Nicole was in the kitchen. I calmly asked Nicole to come out to the living room. Nicole took one look and said, “Yup that’s a seizure.” We hurriedly rushed out of the house. Nicole rode in the back with Maddie, keeping her calm.

Over the next three days, we were at the hospital. There were times where I felt lost, hopeless. All I had to do was reach out my hand, and it was met with Nicole’s hand. While there were a sea of doctors in the room, all I had to do was look up and Nicole’s eyes were right there meeting mine.

My strength in learning and living with Maddie’s diagnosis comes from my wife. When life gets to be too much, she’s there to comfort me. When things get a little too serious, she’s there with a smile. When I feel like I’m going to fall, she’s there to lift me up.

Nicole is the unsung hero of our family. Week after week Nicole carries the heavy load of taking Maddie to her therapy appointments. Week after week Nicole is there to make sure Maddie is getting the best treatment possible. Week after week, day after day, Nicole shows up.

Nicole is the one who found the Angelman Foundation. Nicole is the one who coordinates all of Maddie’s appointments. Nicole is the one who explains things to me because I don’t understand the medical lingo.

Nicole is full of knowledge, but she is also full of love. Every single night, Nicole puts Maddie to sleep. No matter how busy her day was, Nicole takes the time to hold Maddie and give her a bottle. I watch as Nicole loves Maddie, as only a mother can.

It’s funny what having a child does to you. Life becomes all about that little life, nothing else seems to matter. When I married Nicole, I knew that she was an amazing person. Seeing her become a mother though, has been the joy of my life.

I’ve been surrounded by amazing women all of my life. Some of these women have been related by blood others have taken me in as their own. I have truly been blessed. My biggest blessing by far has been my wife. I can never thank her enough. I can never repay her for everything she has done. All that I can give is my love. Happy Mother’s Day Nicole.

-Written by Adam Birchmeier