Life’s Unpredictability: Liz’s Journey of Hope and Resilience
The unpredictable nature of life, brimming with surprises, is a concept we are all too familiar with. Often, we embark on our journeys armed with plans for the future, only to be confronted by unforeseen circumstances that challenge our expectations and lead us down uncharted paths.
Liz Smith, the esteemed director of nursing at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton, Massachusetts, has borne witness to the joyous milestones of her siblings and friends—marriages and the arrival of children. Deep within her heart, this 45-year-old woman yearned for a similar experience. She held onto the belief that one day she, too, would embrace motherhood with the same unwavering love and dedication that defined her late mother.
A Nurturing Legacy: Liz’s Path as a Nurse and Aunt
Liz Smith fondly recalls her mother, a selfless pediatric nurse who consistently prioritized the well-being of others. Inspired by her mother’s compassionate spirit, Liz grew up with an inherent desire to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse herself.
Renowned as the world’s best aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews, Liz’s caring nature has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who know her. Universally regarded as the epitome of kindness, she embodies the essence of true nurturing. Elly Smith, Liz’s sister, attests to her natural inclination as a caregiver and asserts that if given the opportunity, Liz would effortlessly excel in the role of a mother.
Liz’s longing for a child led her to explore the possibility of in vitro fertilization as a means of conception. However, her health insurance coverage did not extend to the expensive treatment, leaving her unable to afford it. Despite her deep desire to become a mother, Liz had never considered the alternatives of fostering or adopting—until a serendipitous encounter that forever changed her life. It was during this fortuitous meeting that Liz crossed paths with Gisele, an eight-month-old girl adorned with radiant blue eyes and an angelic countenance.
An Unforgettable Encounter: Liz’s Connection with Gisele
As fate would have it, Smith’s path crossed with the sweet, little baby as she was being wheeled down the hospital hallway by one of the nurses. Captivated by her angelic presence, Smith couldn’t help but inquire, “Who is this beautiful angel?” The response lingered in her mind as she discovered that the baby’s name was Gisele. Smith couldn’t forget the sight of Gisele’s single, soft brown curl.
It became evident that Gisele had been transferred to the hospital where Smith worked when she was a mere three months old. Born prematurely in July 2016, she entered the world weighing a mere two pounds. Complications arising from her mother’s substance abuse during pregnancy had led to breathing difficulties. This innocent child relied on a feeding tube, enduring five long months without a single visitor by her side.
During this time, Smith learned that the state of Massachusetts and social services were actively seeking a foster home for Gisele. In that transformative moment, Smith knew deep in her heart that she had found her calling. Determined, she declared, “I will foster this baby. I will be her mother.”
Reflecting on her journey, Smith expressed her astonishment at the unforeseen challenges of motherhood. She acknowledged that the desire to become a mother could never truly be suppressed or replaced by other distractions—it remained a persistent longing within her.
From the very first moment they met, there was something captivating in the depths of Gisele’s striking blue eyes, drawing Smith’s attention. It was as if an unspoken connection had formed, compelling Smith to shower this child with love and provide her with a safe haven.
“She was behind developmentally, and I wanted to get her out of the hospital and get her thriving,” Smith recalled.
In April 2017, Smith was given permission to take Gisele home. However, she was told how the state would do anything in their power to reunite the baby with her biological parents.
“Leaving the parking lot of the hospital with Gisele and a car full of baby stuff, I was in shock that it was happening,” said Smith.
She took some time off in order to take care of her new baby. Her friends and family were all very supportive of Smith’s decision to foster the infant, and they even organized a baby shower and bought her a bunch of baby stuff.
“I was excited but nervous, realizing that I was committing everything I had to this child who might not be in my life forever,” she said.
The baby’s parents were granted weekly supervision visits, but the state determined they weren’t capable of taking further care of their biological daughter so their parental rights were terminated, which meant Smith could apply to become Gisele’s mother legally.
“The day I got the call that their parental rights were terminated was very sad,” she said. “My gain was another’s loss. It’s a feeling difficult to describe when you are experiencing this life-changing moment that someone else is as well, in the opposite way. The bottom line is: It’s devastating for another family.”
Thanks to all the love Smith and her brother Phil showered little Gisele with, she showed amazing progress and by the time she turned 15 months, she could walk and even say a few words. Smith recalls how her daughter’s first word was ‘badoon’ for a balloon.
October 18, 2017 was the day when these two loving ladies officially became a mother and a daughter and it was the best day of their life.
This is the mother-daughter relationship my sister has waited a long time for,” said Phil Smith, 44. “It’s plain to see that they have brought a completeness to each other.”
Even though Gisele is still using a suplemental feeding tube at the age of 2, her days are filled with lots of laughter. She enjoys eating cheese and pizza and is the sweetest little lady.
“Her new favorite song is ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ ” said Smith. “And every time she sings it, I think to myself, ‘You have no idea.’ ”
We are so happy things turned out great for both Smith and her daughter Gisele. Now they have each other to love and care for.