by staff and trained volunteer facilitators, providing a safe environment in which the children and teens can express themselves. “I’ve received some wonderful feedback from our program attendees,” Juli said. “One of our families had been blessed with biological children, but had enough love in their hearts to adopt two brothers, ages 15 and 9. Shortly after the adoption, the family was in a tragic car accident in which the older adopted brother died. Having witnessed his brother’s death, the younger adopted brother was angry all the time. He struggled at school with outbursts and his grades were at an all-time low.” But, Juli said, after coming to Billy’s Place and hanging out with other kids who had also experienced the death of a sibling or parent, he realized he was not alone in his grief. He used the coping skills he learned at Billy’s Place and, little by little, his parents noticed his meltdowns became fewer. Three months later, he was smiling more, his grades had improved and he was named student of the month at his school. Family support groups, kicking back with other kids, honoring the lives they miss — all of these help children along their grief journey. Juli and Billy continue along their own journey too, paying tribute to Mike, as well as to all of the families who need their support. To learn more, visit billysplace.me . Judy Pearson CONTRIBUTING WRITER info@A2ndAct.org