The Quiet Leader

I am the outspoken one inside of Nicole and I’s relationship. I am out front with this blog and with the podcast. Those of you who know my wife, will know that she is the driving force behind our family. Basically I get to take credit for all of her hard work.

There are fierce mothers in our Angelman community. Day after day they are fighting so their child gets the care and treatment that they deserve. This is my wife. I don’t know how she does it. She keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, so Maddie and I only have to show up to appointments.

Also there’s the sleepless nights. Nicole and I take shifts so we can both get a decent amount of sleep. However, Nicole does the heavy lifting from 1 in the morning until 5 in the morning. It’s not uncommon for Maddie to be wide awake at 2 am, and not go down until 5 am. Nicole does this day after day, week after week. Then she puts herself together and puts in a full shift at the hospital.

There’s the caretaker side of things as well. Nicole makes sure Maddie has all of her medication. Maddie’s medication is fully stocked and Nicole knows by heart all of the medication that Maddie takes and at what times. Nicole can usually take one look at Maddie and know that something is off.

Despite all of the frustration and time it takes to make sure Maddie is at her peak, Nicole still is the comfort for Maddie. Nicole is the one that Maddie turns to for comfort. Nicole pours her heart and her soul into our child. I love seeing those two cuddle up together, and I love seeing the way Maddie melts into Nicole’s arms. I do wish that Maddie cuddled up to me, like she does to my wife, but that’s life.

Seeing Nicole with Maddie has truly been the best part of my life. I wish I had the words to convey not only my appreciation for my wife, but my amazement as well. Nicole is a fantastic wife, mother, nurse, and truly one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Not only does Nicole deal with all of Maddie’s needs, she still has to put up with me as well!

I hope Mother’s Day was a great day for all of you out there. I have been blessed to have some fantastic women in my life. I’m glad I get to share my life with a person like Nicole, she is just simply the best.

-Written by Adam Birchmeier