Andrew’s Journey: From Grief to Giving Back

Andrew was 9 years old when he came to Billy’s Place, several years after his dad, Jay, died suddenly. He didn’t realize that his experience would shape not only his healing journey but also his future as a compassionate volunteer. Andrew’s story is a beautiful example of what makes this community so special: families helping families. 

Finding Comfort and Connection at Billy’s Place

When Andrew first started coming to Billy’s Place, he was struggling to describe—or even recognize—his feelings, even though he always had his mom to turn to. 

He was just 5 years old when his dad died, so he had limited memories and didn’t immediately experience the profound sense of mourning that many of us do as adults. His grief crept in slowly as he grew up. 

Hearing other kids at Billy’s Place describe their feelings, he discovered they knew what he was going through. He found the kids who got it. He found his safe community to help him grieve. 

“Before that, I didn’t know what to do,” Andrew explains.

He was particularly impacted by the dedicated volunteers who seemed to strike the perfect balance of addressing the theme and keeping things light, while sharing multiple healthy ways the kids could express their grief. 

One of his favorite activities at Billy’s Place was creating a memory box. “Because I don’t have a lot of memories of my dad,” Andrew says, “It was special to be able to revisit the memories I do have, and to see them in a positive light.”

Paying it Forward

Inspired by the support he received, Andrew began volunteering at Billy’s Place in early 2019 at the age of 12. He started as a Billy’s Buddy and recently became a facilitator for the green group, which serves elementary-age children. His mom, Marie, is also a dedicated volunteer at Billy’s Place. 

Andrew’s unique perspective as a former family and someone who knows what it’s like to lose a special person at such a young age allows him to connect with the kids on a deeper level. He leans on his own experience to design group nights that the kids will want to come to—like he did. 

“I know they just had a long day of school, so I need to keep it on topic, but fun,” Andrew explains. He sees how Billy’s Place provides a space for kids to talk, whether or not it’s about grief or their special person. “Every kid needs that,” he said. 

Being the Trusted Person

One of Andrew’s most memorable experiences as a volunteer involved a 12-year-old girl who had witnessed the traumatic death of her father. She would talk with Andrew, then 15, about how she felt and her struggles. Andrew knew he was helping her by just being there and listening, but he did not realize how impactful his presence was until his mom asked: 

“You know, you’re the only person she opens up to, right?”

“Moments like that keep me going,” he says. “It makes me feel like I am part of something bigger. I believe every child should have someone they can just talk to and be real with.”

Hopes for the Future

Andrew has a clear vision for the kids he works with at Billy’s Place.

“I want them to be in a stage where…grief never goes away, but mourning does,” he explains. “I want them to be able to remember their special person in a good light and to be raised in a way where it’s ok to talk about their feelings.”

Looking beyond grief, he’s particularly passionate about normalizing emotional expression, especially for boys and men. “I want to break through that stigma, even if it isn’t about grief, but just about feelings—that would be good for the greater world,” Andrew emphasizes.

Written in the Stars

We met Andrew when he was a young kid, but now he’s a poised, confident high school senior who is looking forward to majoring in astronomy in college next year. His shirt in the photo with his dad reads “Future rocket scientist.” He may just be on his way!

Andrew can’t help but reflect on how his passion for the subject is intertwined with his father’s memory. One of his last and most cherished memories with his dad was stargazing together.  

Your donation will start a domino effect

Andrew has a heartfelt message for donors and supporters of Billy’s Place: 

“Your contributions to this organization have helped me and my family, and will help thousands of other families. It’s a domino effect of healing and support.”

Andrew’s journey from a grieving kid to a compassionate volunteer demonstrates the lasting impact of Billy’s Place and the power of families helping families.

Your support can start a domino effect that helps kids like Andrew, the 12-year-old girl who found someone she could talk to during the worst part of her life, and more kids who will come through our doors for years to come.