Since being placed in foster care, the young boy had faced emotional challenges. By the time he found himself in the loving care of a family, he had already spent half his life moving from one place to another.
Updated Note: Originally shared on September 27, 2022, this piece has undergone some revisions since.
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Andrew and Joc clicked instantly, discovering they shared many interests. Their bond became evident when Andrew, who had been navigating the foster care system for much of his life, was welcomed by Joc’s parents, Dominique and Kevin Gill. Andrew’s journey began when his parental rights were revoked at a tender age of 6. He was 10 when he set foot in Nashville, Tennessee. Reflecting on those early days, Dominique shared with Today Parents, “Andrew, despite having four siblings who were quickly adopted, felt isolated. He would often spend time reminiscing over old photos.”
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Initially, Andrew’s trauma manifested in outbursts. Dominique recalls him pleading, “Can I just leave?” Determinedly, she responded, “We’re in this together,” and the Gill family kept that promise, guiding him with unwavering support. The result? A transformed Andrew who hasn’t had an emotional outburst in over 12 months.
Everything shifted the day Joc invited the reserved Andrew to join him in a video game. Their camaraderie grew, with Andrew acknowledging to NBC News, “We just clicked over so many things,” and Joc chiming in, “Especially Minecraft.”
Witnessing the deepening bond between the boys, Dominique and Kevin made a heartwarming choice. In May 2020, at age 12, Andrew was given a touching proposal. A surprise walk with Youth Villages counselor, Molly Parker, led to a touching scene: the Gills, familiar faces, balloons, signs, and Joc donning a T-shirt that read, “Will you be my brother?” As per GoalCast, the Gills initially hadn’t considered adoption, aiming to support numerous children, reminiscent of the help Dominique’s own parents provided during her upbringing.
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“But after his second potential adoption fell through,” Dominique reflected, “I felt Andrew’s presence in our lives was destiny. He was meant to return to us.” Andrew’s emotional response to their proposal was profound, always expressing gratitude for the Gills’ unwavering faith in him.
Dominique reiterated, “People got cold feet reading his history. I knew he was a good kid, just one shaped by trauma.”
Despite the warmth and love they share, the family occasionally draws puzzled stares due to their racial differences. With Dominique highlighting, “Andrew being white and our family being Black can lead to onlookers being perplexed.” But for the Gills, race isn’t a consideration. Dominique emphasizes, “True love knows no color. Andrew is as much our son as Joc is.”
Kevin, in conversation with NBC News, added, “Witnessing the bond Andrew and Joc have cultivated over the years has been a heartwarming experience.”