My story really began when I was 16. My mom, who was my best friend, accept suddenly from brain cancer. That was the darkest chapter I’ve ever lived through.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
I couldn’t imagine ever feeling happy again. But when I was 18, I met someone I thought was the love of my life. We got married when I was 22. Becoming a mom was something I had wished for as long as I could remember. I used to picture myself with three little ones before I even hit 30.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
Our first child, Wyatt, was born on October 12, 2012. He was perfect, and life felt like it was going as planned. But when Wyatt was only four months old, my husband stopped coming home. He said things like “I need to find myself” and “I’m not sure I’m ready to be a dad.” I was heartbroken and jumbled. Soon, I found out he was cheating.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
We divorced in May 2013. Things got worse after that. He became mean and started demanding time with Wyatt, even though he had left us. The woman he cheated with, Rachel Edwards, gave me a bad feeling. I didn’t want her near Wyatt, but the court still gave him overnight visits.
On November 1, 2013, I got the phone call no parent ever wants, Wyatt had been taken to the hospital in an emergency.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
My ex had left him with Rachel. At the hospital, I learned Wyatt had a serious brain bleed and a fractured skull. He needed emergency surgery and was in very bad shape. I was completely broken.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
Wyatt survived the surgery, but his injuries were terrible. Doctors said he had been shaken. He had broken ribs, brain damage, and was permanently blind in one eye. He now has seizures and developmental delays. But he’s alive and he’s my wonder.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
Later, I found out Rachel had a past of child abuse. I was furious. If I had known, I could’ve protected Wyatt. That’s why I shaped “Wyatt’s Law”, a plan to make a public list of people convicted of child abuse. I started a petition, and we got bills presented in Michigan in 2015. We’re still fighting to get it passed.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
Being a single mom to a special needs child is hard, but I’m thankful Wyatt is still here. His abuser got a prison sentence, but she could be released. I’ll keep fighting to keep her behind bars and to make sure no other child goes through what Wyatt did.
Courtesy of Erica Hammel
If you want to follow his journey, you can join our Facebook group: “Wyatt the Warrior.”
