A three-year-old boy who spent the first weeks of his life in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has taken centre stage once again, this time, as ring bearer at the wedding of the nurse who cared for him after birth.
Rhett Smith, born five weeks prematurely in 2022, spent 18 days in the NICU at HCA Healthcare in Florida. He was being cared for when he was first introduced to his adoptive parents, Elizabeth and Ken Smith, who had driven 22 hours from Kansas City after learning that their long-awaited baby boy had been born prematurely.
During those early days, the Smiths formed a strong bond with NICU nurse Gabby Chandler, who not only cared for Rhett medically but also provided ongoing comfort and support to the new parents.
“Gabby, from the beginning, was our constant source of reassurance and calm”, said his mum, Elizabeth. “She is a ray of sunshine, an angel on Earth”.
“One of the most beautiful human beings I’ve ever known”.
Her husband, Ken, explained how Chandler regularly went above and beyond for their son, bathing him, checking in on the family throughout their stay, and even watching over Rhett so they could sleep.
“[Chandler] was just constantly coming to our room asking if we needed anything. She’d come to give him his baths instead of the nurse that should be doing them … [and she] would come over and watch him, so that we could sleep”, Ken said.
That connection didn’t end once Rhett was discharged. Chandler kept in contact with the family over the years, celebrating Rhett’s birthdays and spending time with them when they visited Florida.
“She has been there from the beginning, his birthdays, visits in Florida, and now one of the most special days of her life, her wedding”, Elizabeth said.
Earlier this year, Chandler invited the family to her wedding with a very special request. She asked Rhett to serve as her ring bearer, and his sister Madison to be a bridesmaid.
“I chose Rhett to be my ring bearer because his family and I made a sweet connection that was more than just being their nurse. They were my family, too”, Chandler said.
“I wanted them to be a part of my special day because they were like family to me, and I’m so grateful for them”.
Now pregnant herself, Chandler says she hopes that Rhett and her own baby will one day grow up to be best friends.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “It’s incredibly moving to see how a baby born prematurely has gone on to form such a special bond with the nurse who cared for him. Rhett’s story is a beautiful reminder of the value of every life and the dedication of those who work to protect it”.
