What does love look like? Is it defined by shared bloodlines or bound by the color of our skin? Or is it something far greater—an unshakable connection that transcends every barrier life throws at us? For one foster child, love arrived unexpectedly, rewriting his story in ways he never imagined.
Andrew entered foster care at just six years old, separated from his siblings and carrying the weight of rejection. By the time he was 10, hope felt like a distant dream. Then came Dominique and Kevin Gill, a Black couple from Nashville, who offered not just a roof over his head but a chance to rebuild his trust and belief in family.
Their journey was anything but easy. Andrew, guarded and skeptical, struggled to accept this new chapter. But through patience, resilience, and a love that refused to give up, the Gills reminded him—and the world—that love doesn’t have a color. It has the power to heal, transform, and create bonds stronger than blood.
A Foster Child’s Fight for Belonging
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For children like Andrew, foster care isn’t just a transition—it’s a battle for stability in a world that feels anything but safe. At just six years old, Andrew was placed into state custody, separated from his four siblings, each of whom was adopted almost immediately. He was left waiting, year after year, for a family that never came.
Statistics show that older children in foster care often face lower chances of adoption. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, children over the age of eight are significantly less likely to find permanent homes compared to younger kids. For Andrew, this reality was all too personal. By the time he turned 10, he had experienced two failed adoptions, leaving scars that went far deeper than anyone could see.
Foster care doesn’t just disrupt a child’s environment; it disrupts their sense of self. For Andrew, every closed door felt like a confirmation of his fears: that he wasn’t wanted, that he wasn’t enough. But even in his darkest moments, there was a quiet hope—a longing for the kind of love that could anchor him in a life that finally felt steady and safe.
The Family’s Unexpected Path to Love
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For Dominique and Kevin Gill, fostering children was never about finding a permanent addition to their family. It was about creating a safe space for children in need, just as Dominique’s parents had done for many kids while she was growing up. The Gills believed their role was temporary—to help children heal and find their way to forever homes. But Andrew’s arrival changed everything.
When Andrew, then 10 years old, first joined their Nashville home, he was withdrawn, spending hours alone in his room, clutching old photos of his past. Dominique described those early days as heartbreaking. “He didn’t want to talk; he just kept himself closed off,” she recalled. But a simple act of kindness cracked the wall Andrew had built around himself. Dominique’s son, Joc, invited Andrew to play video games one day. To everyone’s surprise, Andrew nodded—and from that moment on, the boys became inseparable.
The Gills never intended to adopt Andrew, but something shifted after a second adoption for him fell through. Dominique began to see the bigger picture, realizing, as she put it, “God placed Andrew in our lives for a reason.” When they finally asked Andrew if he wanted to be a permanent part of their family, his tears said it all. In that moment, what started as a temporary refuge became a forever bond, cemented by love, trust, and a shared sense of belonging.
Healing Through Unconditional Love
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Andrew’s journey toward trust was anything but smooth. Like many children who’ve endured trauma, he tested the boundaries of those who cared for him. He shouted, acted out, and even tried to push the Gills away. “He would scream, ‘Just let me move out!’” Dominique shared. But the family refused to give up. Instead, they met his pain with patience and a steady love that didn’t waver, no matter how difficult things became.
Trauma can leave deep emotional scars, especially for children who’ve experienced rejection and instability. Experts agree that consistent care and unconditional support are essential to helping children rebuild their sense of safety and self-worth. The Gills lived this truth every day. “I told him, ‘We’re going to get you together,’” Dominique explained. Over time, their consistency and determination helped Andrew feel secure enough to begin letting his guard down.
Now 12, Andrew has made remarkable progress. He’s learned to express his emotions without fear and hasn’t had an outburst in over a year. For Dominique, seeing this transformation has been a testament to what love can accomplish. “Andrew always says, ‘Thank you for accepting me, for not giving up on me,’” she shared. Those words are a reflection of how far he has come—and how far unconditional love can go in healing even the deepest wounds.
Love Knows No Color
For the Gill family, love has always been about connection—not appearances. But as a Black family adopting a white child, they’ve encountered their share of stares and whispers. “People look at us and get confused,” Dominique admitted. Yet within their home, race has never been a barrier. To Andrew, it didn’t matter what his foster parents looked like. When asked about his preferences, he had checked the box for “no preference.” For him, all that mattered was finding a family who would accept him for who he was.
Dominique’s perspective on love is both simple and profound: “Love doesn’t have a color.” It’s a belief that underscores everything about their journey with Andrew. To her, Andrew is every bit as much her son as Joc is, and that bond goes far beyond skin color. It’s a connection rooted in shared experiences, trust, and the relentless choice to love each other despite challenges.
Andrew’s story is a reminder that families come in all forms. It challenges society’s preconceived notions of what a family should look like and proves that love isn’t confined by cultural or racial boundaries. In a world often divided by differences, the Gill family’s story stands as a testament to what’s possible when we choose love over judgment.
Featured image from Dominique Gill (@d.successful.women) on Instagram