At first glance, Eddie Giese appears to be your typical, middle-class American father—he’s of average height, wears a big smile, loves his wife and kids, and enjoys fishing and playing video games in his downtime.
But Eddie’s daily routine is far from ordinary. When he tied the knot with his high school sweetheart Stephanie in 2006, neither of them could have predicted just how unique their family would eventually become.
Eddie soon found himself navigating the world of adoption, a path he wasn’t initially certain about. “As a young, newly married man, focused on starting my career, I had my reservations,” he shared with Upworthy. However, Stephanie was resolute in her desire, and Eddie eventually agreed to attend training sessions and begin the certification process.
“Once I was in the classes, everything shifted for me, and I realized that I, too, wanted to adopt,” Eddie recalled. The couple fostered, and later adopted, Nicholas in 2008 when he was just 18 months old. A few years later, after having two biological children, it was Eddie who encouraged them to foster again. This decision led to the adoption of two more children who had experienced significant trauma, bringing their family to five kids, ranging in age from 8 to 13.
Nicholas, now a teenager, keeps Eddie and Stephanie on their toes. His official diagnoses include Intellectual Disability Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and a General Mood Disorder, though the impact of severe trauma can often cloud the accuracy of such assessments. Clinicians aren't certain whether Nicholas' neurological challenges stem from trauma or autism, as the symptoms can often overlap.
Despite the hurdles, Eddie remains a devoted advocate for Nicholas. He knows how essential it is to offer infinite patience and forgiveness, even on days when it feels like there's nothing more to give.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, nearly 437,000 children are in foster care in the U.S. on any given day. The average age for entering the system is 8, meaning many have experienced significant trauma before finding a foster home. Even after placement, children can still face neglect or abuse, a reality that weighs heavily on Eddie.
Fatherhood, for Eddie, is all about finding balance. He works hard to enforce rules while ensuring his kids know they are deeply loved no matter what. He shares a special bond with Nicholas, often taking him fishing and teaching him important life skills, like mowing the lawn now that he’s officially a teenager.
One recent milestone Eddie experienced with Nicholas was teaching him how to shave. As Nicholas nears adulthood, Eddie knows how important it is to guide him through this transition. “I'll admit, it was a bit emotional,” Eddie shared. “Because of his intellectual disability, I took it slow, breaking down each step and demonstrating what to do and what not to do. We shaved side by side, and I know I’ll have to coach him a few more times before he can manage on his own. Actually, he’s already due for another shave!”
Eddie's wife, Stephanie, is incredibly proud of her husband. “He’s always been the kind of guy who shares the load when it comes to everyday tasks, whether it’s cleaning the bathroom, changing diapers, or waking up at night with the kids. And when it comes to puke-related situations, that’s all him,” she said. “When we foster, he’s usually the one who handles court appointments. But what I love most about him is how he shows our kids how much he loves me, through the little things.”
Looking ahead, Eddie has concerns about Nicholas' ability to manage his emotions and impulses as he approaches adulthood. While this can be worrying, Eddie and Stephanie remain hopeful.
“We’ve seen so much progress in Nicholas, especially over the past year, that gives us optimism for his future,” Eddie shared. “I hope he’ll one day live an independent life and use his talents—like his hidden gift for music—to positively impact others. His story, with all its ups and downs, has the potential to inspire.”
Here’s to fathers like Eddie, who show up for their kids every day, no matter how tough things get.
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