Local family coping with loss

The Spendlove family shares a lot of similarities with most families. Faith, Mother, Father, Children, Love, Struggle…. But what happened on August 17th 2021 is where they differ from most other families. Roger and Kim have been married for almost 29 years.  From the start they knew they wanted a large family, and they have been blessed with 7 wonderful children aged 11-22. Their oldest is studying nursing at Bob Jones University and recently returned from a medical mission trip to Africa. Their youngest 2 are twins, 5 girls and 2 boys in all. The Spendloves have homeschooled their children from the beginning. Kim worked part time in the evenings so she could be with the kids during the day and Roger did whatever it took to make ends meet. They struggled and sacrificed like a lot of us do, probably more than most. Their oldest daughter is a cancer survivor, they have dealt with the possibility of death and loss before. But just like their name says (yes, Spendlove is their real last name), their families currency is Love, and anyone who knows them is family.

Earlier this year, Kim rushed to Nevada to be at her mother’s bedside as she succumbed to covid. Kim’s recalling of the events is not of the sadness and loss but the joy of being there for her mother, being able to read Bible passages and spend her mother’s last hours together. Unfortunately, this event would be repeated. In late July, Kim and Roger started feeling sick and had a feeling it could be covid. It was. As they struggled, Kim’s trajectory was different than Rogers. Kim ended up in the hospital with low oxygen levels. Her condition had ups and downs but her body was exhausted just trying to breathe. We take every breath for granted, at this point, Kim did not. She was intubated on August 15th and the family said their last earthly goodbyes 2 days later. Roger was allowed to be in the covid bubble for a short time and read Bible passages to Kim as she drew her last breaths.

Although this sounds like defeat, there is victory knowing that Kim Spendlove loves Christ and is with Him in glory now!

So, the Spendlove family is without a wife, mother, teacher and provider. Kim’s part time work and Roger’s employment did not provide for health insurance, much less funeral expenses. As your kids or grandkids start school, the Spendlove children have no teacher. The Spendlove’s world is not so similar to yours anymore. As of this writing, they have much to figure out, funeral arrangements, tremendous hospital bills and so much more than we can think of. Their Church family, their brothers and sisters in Christ will come along side them. But that is where you, the reader of this post comes in. Will you please help this family that had so many similarities to your own? This is a real family in real need of help. They have helped countless others with their giving and kindness, including multiple travels around the country volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief, literally spending love on others. When you consider giving, also consider your own family and the blessings you have. If you can’t give money, that’s ok, but please pray for the Spendloves and give love to your own family today.