Growing up in a safe and loving home is far from a given for many children. Those who don\u2019t often have just one wish, and that is to feel loved somewhere. It\u2019s precisely this perspective that has led Kevin and Dominique Gill to welcome foster children into their home.<\/p>\n
But when they welcomed a 10-year-old boy that no one else wanted, everything changed in their lives.<\/p>\n
Up to a certain age, I didn\u2019t even realize that not every child had the blessing of a mom and dad who thought the world of them.<\/p>\n
Of course, there are millions of children the world over who don\u2019t have the benefit of a warm and loving home. One 12-year-old boy named Andrew, from Nashville, Tennessee, knows all about that.<\/p>\n
Literally couldn’t ask for better friends \ud83e\udd1e We literally called them three days before we decided to take a quick trip to Gatlinburg for Joc birthday! My other family \ud83e\udd70<\/p>\n
Posted by Dominique Gill on Sunday, May 31, 2020
\nIn 2018, Dominique and Kevin Gill made the decision to become foster parents to Andrew, who was ten years old.<\/p>\n
Introvert and aggressive
\nAndrew had no contact with his biological parents, and throughout his upbringing, he had bounced between temporary homes arranged by social services. As per reports, he\u2019s lived in foster care for about half his young life.<\/p>\n
Not having a secure place or anything to call \u201chome\u201d had made the ten-year-old introverted, as he was unwilling to open up to anyone. Several people who met the boy got the impression that he was emotionally distant.<\/p>\n
Social services described Andrew as \u201ctroublesome,\u201d as he could easily become angry. Many saw this as a reason not to take on the boy, but Dominique and Kevin were determined to help him. They have always believed that security and love can mold children into good people.<\/p>\n
My kids so perfect \ud83e\udd1e\u2764<\/p>\n
Posted by Dominique Gill on Wednesday, December 8, 2021
\nAndrew temporarily moved in as a foster child with the couple in their villa in Nashville, Tennessee. There, he would stay until social services found a family willing to adopt him.<\/p>\n
However, that proved easier said than done, as no one wanted Andrew, and foster care was just a temporary solution. Just like every other time.<\/p>\n
\u201dHe didn\u2019t want to talk\u201d
\nSpeaking to WBIR Channel 10, Kevin and Dominique revealed that Andrew withdrew and avoided social contact during the initial period. He just wanted to sit in his room and play computer games. He was often angry and prone to outbursts.<\/p>\n
\u201dDuring his first week with us, he sat in his room with the door closed, looking at old photos. He didn\u2019t want to talk,\u201d Andrew\u2019s foster parents shared in their interview.<\/p>\n
Weeks passed, and Dominique and Kevin, along with their biological children, struggled with Andrew, who didn\u2019t bond with anyone.<\/p>\n
But the compassionate couple persisted, never giving up on Andrew. Despite his anger, they consistently responded with love. Over time, Andrew began to realize and understand that he was truly loved.<\/p>\n
\nWe don\u2019t know which is sweeter: Andrew and Joc\u2019s love of @KelloggsUS<\/a> PopTarts, or the bond these two share! We are thrilled that Andrew has found his forever family with his best friend and new brother, Joc, and the Gill family. Thx @WSMV<\/a> for sharing! https:\/\/t.co\/OystsoBfwd<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1w0uqDLtcc<\/a><\/p>\n
— Youth Villages (@youthvillages) September 1, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n