THIS IS HOPE: WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US

I saw a familiar face at a young adult group last year. This was someone who had been one of our families, plus a volunteer and a donor, but he hasn’t been a participant in a group for quite a while. 

Earlier in the week he called us and asked if it was ok for him to come to group this week. 

“I really need to be there,” he said.

Of course we welcomed him back. Once a family, always a family at Billy’s Place. 

At the group, he shared that week was the 4 year anniversary of his daughter’s death. 

“This grief thing is no joke,” he explained. “Just about the time I think I’m good, a wave hits me and knocks me down. I really needed Billy’s Place this week. I feel like I’m back at Day 1 and I don’t get it.”

This may not seem like a hopeful moment on the surface, but it is to us. 

This young man knows he has a community to support him. When he needed some help, he knew just where to turn so he didn’t have to be alone in his grief. 

We’re so thankful to be here for our families, no matter how much time has passed. We’re here. We’re safe. We care. 

This is HOPE.