No Visitors in Five Months

Liz Smith is the director of nursing at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton, Massachusetts.  While at work she noticed a baby named Gisele who was a ward of the state.  Gisele had neonatal abstinence syndrome – a result of her mother using heroin, cocaine and methadone during pregnancy.  The baby had no visitors in five months, so Liz applied to foster Gisele and ultimately adopt her.  Liz had always wanted to marry and have children, but at forty-five it hadn’t happened.  She felt the need to love this child and keep her safe.  Gisele is now two years old and her new favorite song is “You Are My Sunshine.”  Every time she sings it, her mother thinks to herself, “You have no idea.”  Foster care turned out to be a true blessing for Liz.