WALL OF SUPPORT (WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT)

Hikers were invited to add their rock to the wall, including how someone made a difference in their grief journey.

At our 9th annual Hike for Hope, we invited families to share how another person helped them in the immediate time following the loss of a loved one. Together, these messages made up quite the wall of support! 

Small to large, each had an impact and stuck with the families. 

Check out this inspiring list: 

• After finding out what had happened, my neighbors and coworkers gave me an ear, food, and comfort. They didn’t even know us well yet, as we had just moved here!
• Two friends came over and cleaned my house top to bottom. 
• Billy’s Place feeds us and gets my kids through the door! Barro’s pizza is such a yummy treat on Tuesdays. 
• Jean called me a week after my 15 year-old son passed and gave me some really good advice. She told me I could either go to a dark place and sink into depression or make the best memories with my two kids. 
• My friends started a GoFundMe to help with expenses.
• Just telling me they love me.
• Judy Friedman has called me every morning since my husband passed three years ago.  
• My friend, Ember, came with me the whole entire hike and told me jokes.
• My friends have been so much support. My kids have been so supportive in the loss of their dad and husband. 
• Someone taking over some responsibilities so I could focus on my grief. My friend took my kids to the restroom so I could be present for the memorial service. Billy’s Place has allowed us to feel rather than trying to be strong and ignore feelings. 
• They sent meals.
• Billy’s Place has helped us normalize grief.

• People showed me they cared by giving me flowers and remembering my dad’s anniversary. 
• Gave me a hug and showed they loved me. 
• When my brothers died, Billy’s Place family supported me with love and care.
• Listening ear. 
• My family and Billy’s Place have been a huge support.  
• Remembering the anniversary helped me know who cares. 
• My mom passed away and I couldn’t go to Brazil for her funeral. My friends, several of them, sent me cards. They contacted me, not even knowing me. Their words meant a lot. Opening grief cards were actually a pleasant experience. Family, friends the fabric of life. 
• Made a scrapbook for loss.
• Letting me talk about how I really feel.
• Being supportive, checking in on us, bringing food. Cleaned my house.
• I am grateful for good friends and Billy’s Place for being a safe place to talk about my grief and having people to listen, not judging. 
• The day my husband passed, my co-worker came and just sat with me. No words needed. Just being there. 
• Helped take our daily responsibilities. Showing up and just being there regardless.  Being available no matter what time or day. Hugs and kisses.
• Supporting me through grief by always remembering my niece’s birthday and doing a pay-it-forward in her memory.
• The first Christmas after my husband died, a business “adopted us” via an Amazon Wishlist. They did all the shopping for me so I didn’t have to think, worry or wrap.
• Lifted up, comforted, asking if I’m okay. Cared for. Being heard. Being at events for that person. Supportive. 
• Friends made me laugh.
• Helping me plan the funeral and gave me support.
• In the end, only kindness matters.
• People started a GoFundMe without me knowing.
• My wife took me and kids to Billy’s Place. She could see how much I and the family needed to be able to express our/my grief in a positive way with good people. Thank you, love and thank you, Billy’s Place. 
• Loved ones have shown support by sharing stories of my dad, bringing food and being there always. 
• Comforting smile.
• Giving me hugs gave me so much love and support.
• People have been there for me.
• Daycare provider took daily photos and made a slideshow that I watch every morning to remember my sweet Maxine Olive Endres.
• Friday morning hugs. Listening. Love. Humor.
• Giving me hugs and telling me they love me. 
• Our friends, family, church group have supported us through prayers, hugs and so much more.
• Family, love, prayers, church, friends checking on us.
• When I was sad, my sister took me for ice cream and cheered me up. 
• My friend brought me and my family dinner.
• Messages to let you know they are thinking of you. Hug.
• My friend wrote a poem about my dad. 
• My friend came and visited me.
• All my friends have checked on me everyday and are still checking on me after months.  Friends and family have brought us multiple snacks through the hard times. Coming closer to graduation, and family and friends are saying I deserve a big crowd. 
• Talk about feelings and emotions. Hug.
• A friend gave me a journal and wrote with me.
• A friend texted me and let me know they were praying for me. Many others sent flowers to let us know they were thinking of us. 
• My work family created a basket of items and gift cards for meals for my family.  
• Live this moment! Do not dwell on the past. Worry about the future.
• Brought meals, texts, calls and taking my kids places they needed to go when I as too tired. 
• Grateful for all the strong families coming together to Billy’s Place and sharing their emotions about loss. Sharing their experience of grief. Learning new coping skills of grief. 
• Fed me. Gave me hugs
• Always made us smile – happy all the time. Shelly and Stacey are amazing. They inspire us. 
• Allowed me to cry any time and any place under any circumstance with no judgment and so much love. Always remembering our sweet girl and sending sweet memories. 
• Talking, sweet words. Telling stories. Hugs. Being there to talk. Support. Spending time together. Kisses. Eating with me.
• All my friends. My friend Kristen, my family.
• A friend bought a star and had it dedicated to my son. Also had the constellation framed and gifted to me. 
• Good friends giving HUGS and calling to ASK how I was feeling. Knowing I was LOVED.
• Billy’s Place has shown me that my family does not have to navigate our grief alone. That through compassion and supportive community we can begin to work through our pain in a productive way.  
• A friend brought me a plant and a sweet card. #peoplearekind
• Brought me food and shared my grief.
• My mom and dad help me through grief. 
• All of our friends and family doing Hike for Hope with us! Our church family always keep us in their prayers. Random hugs and text messages. 
• My friend came over every week for months to take me on a walk to just talk to me. It was an incredible boost to my mood every time. 
• Love, acceptance, time, prayer.
• God is my rock, my hope, my foundation. My 18 year-old was suddenly and savagely taken from us. It is hard knowing that he was taken with so much undone in life. I am grateful for the young man he was. His light continues to shine through us left behind. I am grateful he did not go through long suffering. More grateful that he knew God and is forever in His care. That is my peace. 
• My sweet littlest angel you came through our life fast and furious. What a beautiful soul.  
• In memory of our “Amazing Mayzie”  So many memories with our amazing granddaughter! I love you so much Mayzie. You are always in my heart.
• Amazing Mayzie. Swinging in Heaven.
• Hugs to Austin. Kevin, Reese, Erin, Miles
• Maize: Your light continues to shine brightly.
• In memory of “Amazing Mayzie” Always with love.