Published via Amazon KDP under Living Through the Schmidts Press.

~ With Love Nicole

One love story.
One impossible goodbye.
One woman’s journey through grief, heartbreak, healing, and hope.

About the Book

When Nicole’s husband, Mitch, is diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, their world is forever changed. What follows is an unforgettable story of fierce devotion, caregiving, and the devastating beauty of loving someone through their final chapter.

Told in deeply personal prose and poignant letters written to Mitch, With Love, Nicole invites readers into the sacred space between life and loss. Through hospital corridors, quiet moments of resilience, and the raw ache of grief, Nicole offers a vulnerable and powerful look at what it means to break—and to rebuild.

This isn’t just a story about death. It’s a story about love which never ends. For anyone navigating grief, caregiving, or simply searching for light after loss, With Love, Nicole is a gentle companion and a reminder that even in the darkest places, grace remains.

You don’t have to rush through your grief, your love, or your memories.

Free Reflection Guide

What others are saying...

Hard to put this book down

The format of this book/how it’s written in short chapters and letters make it so easy to read. The content of the chapters is what leaves it’s mark!! I feel that so many who have endured cancer or stood beside someone they love will find peace and understanding in Nicole’s words and emotions,

Anonymous // Amazon Review, Verified Purchase

A Love Letter For Everyone Who Has Lost

This is not a love letter in the traditional sense. It’s a love letter for anyone who has ever cried into an Oreo Blizzard, a bowl of soup, or a quiet moment of grief.

This book is a lifeline — not only for those who knew and loved Mitch, but for anyone who has experienced loss of any kind. One chapter beautifully reminds us that the length of time you know someone does not determine the depth of your grief. Grief is not a competition, and it all matters.

The letter format makes the story feel deeply personal and relatable. There were moments I had to set the book down and return to it later because it reopened my own losses — my uncle, my brother, my grandfather — but it also reminded me that I am not alone.

I especially loved the chapter from Leo’s point of view. Sitting with my own dog in my lap, I was reminded that dogs understand far more than words can express, and that their quiet love can help heal even the deepest hurts.

ForeverAMons // Amazon Review, Kindle Reader

I laughed, I cried and I was inspired!

For anyone that has experienced loss, this book is a lifeline to know we all struggle with grief. I loved how the author describes these hard moments that make you feel like you are right there with her. So many great parts in this book but the most poignant line for me was "Healing isn't about moving on, it's about finding ways to move love forward." That's powerful! A definite MUST READ!!

Laurie Lord // Amazon Review, Verified Purchase

About the Author

I am an educator at heart, having spent twenty-one years as a teacher before fibromyalgia upended my life. Losing the career which was my passion forced me to grieve not only for what I lost but also for the person I once was. Later, I became a caregiver to my husband during his battle with stomach cancer. Nine months after his passing, I faced my deepest challenge yet—an overwhelming grief that left me reeling. Just when I thought I couldn’t handle anything more, my 27-year-old son was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer a mere three months after losing Mitch.

Amid these trials, I discovered a transformative gift: the ability to channel my pain into writing that not only helped me heal but also resonated with others. I began writing Letters to My Husband during his diagnosis as a way to process the swirling emotions and preserve the memories of our love. Through this creative release, I realized I was called to do more in the realm of grief. In July 2024, I became a certified grief educator, and soon after, I started compiling those letters into my memoir, With Love, Nicole.

I have learned that in our darkest moments we often uncover hidden strengths—and that sharing our stories can light the way for others who are struggling. My mission now is to help those navigating loss find solace, understanding, and the courage to rebuild their lives.