Anika Markle 
Andrew spent over half his life in foster care before finding his forever family with Dominique and Kevin Gill. When the Gills adopted him, Andrew was just six years old, having experienced the termination of his biological parents’ rights. Though his four siblings were quickly adopted, Andrew’s path was different.
Initially, Andrew kept to himself, spending his first week in his new home quietly sitting in his room and gazing at old photos. Dominique recalled, “He wasn’t willing to speak. Our plan was to support him until he found his forever home.”
A Second Chance at Family
Andrew’s journey took a difficult turn when a second adoption attempt fell through. For Dominique, this felt like fate. “I believed God had placed Andrew in our lives for a reason,” she shared. When the Gills asked Andrew if he wanted to stay with them permanently, his emotional reaction said it all. “Andrew sobbed and said, ‘Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for not giving up on me.’”
Dominique admitted that Andrew’s early days were challenging. “He would scream and act out, trying to push us away,” she said. But despite his struggles, she saw the good in him. “People would read his file and run away, but I knew he was a decent kid who had been through so much.”
Love Beyond Boundaries
The Gills’ family dynamic sometimes draws attention because Andrew is white and they are Black. Dominique said they often notice stares in public, but it doesn’t faze them. “People may be confused, but love doesn’t have a color,” she explained. “Andrew is our son, just like Joc is our son. He’s a part of us.”
Andrew, who expressed no preference about the race of his adoptive parents, found the unconditional love he had been longing for. Dominique added, “We’re just a family, and that’s all that matters.”
A Bond That Grows Stronger
Kevin Gill shared how Andrew has formed a special bond with their biological son, Joc. “As the years went on, Andrew and Joc got pretty close. It’s good to see that bond grow over time,” he said.
Today, Andrew is thriving in the love and stability of his forever home. His story is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and love that transcends all boundaries.
