For a while, Gisele’s birth parents were granted weekly supervised visits but were ultimately determined to be incapable of caring for her. Their parental rights were terminated, and without another family member able to take care of Gisele, it seemed more likely that Liz and Gisele’s bond would become permanent.
View this post on Instagram
Overcoming Challenges
Under Liz’s care, Gisele began to flourish developmentally. She still required a feeding tube but was starting to meet milestones. By Halloween 2017, when Gisele was 15 months old, she was able to walk and knew several words. “Her first word was ‘badoon,’ for balloon,” Liz recalled. “Today, we still call it that.”
Liz’s dedication to Gisele’s well-being was evident in every aspect of their life together. Despite the initial challenges, Gisele thrived in the loving and nurturing environment Liz provided. Their journey was a testament to the power of love, patience, and resilience.
Officially Mother and Daughter
In October 2018, friends and family surrounded Liz and Gisele as a judge signed off on Gisele’s adoption papers, officially making Liz her mother. “When I became Gisele’s mom, it really was a feeling I can’t even describe,” Liz said. “It was this relief and stability and just so much to look forward to without all of the questions and the unknown.”
“This is the mother-daughter relationship my sister has waited a long time for,” Liz’s brother, Phil, noted. “It’s plain to see that they have brought a completeness to each other.”
Gisele still needs assistance with a feeding tube, but she eats and looks healthier every day. Her mother says she is energetic, loving, and loves to burst into song. “Her new favorite song is ‘You Are My Sunshine,’” Liz explained. “And every time she sings it, I think to myself, ‘You have no idea.’”
Raising Awareness
Liz Smith’s journey with Gisele has not only brought them together as a family but also raised awareness about the need for foster care and adoption, especially for children with special medical needs. Liz’s story highlights the importance of looking beyond traditional paths to parenthood and embracing the opportunities to make a difference in a child’s life.
Liz’s experience also highlights the critical role that healthcare professionals can play in the lives of the children they care for. By stepping into a parental role, Liz has shown that love and family can be found in unexpected places, and that sometimes, the most profound connections are made in the most unlikely circumstances.
The heartwarming story of Liz Smith and her daughter, Gisele, is a testament to the incredible power of love and the extraordinary ways in which family can be formed. Liz’s journey from nurse to mother, driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to provide a loving home for a child in need, is truly inspiring.
As Liz and Gisele continue to thrive together, their story serves as a powerful reminder that motherhood can find you in the most surprising ways. Through their bond, Liz and Gisele exemplify the beauty of adoption and the lasting impact that one person’s love and dedication can have on another’s life.
