Our Hero: Sgt Michael Spivey
"In Mike's case, he is unstoppable. He never lets his injury get in the way of what he wants to do. He inspires me every single day. He never stops, never gives up, never takes no for an answer. There is nothing he can't do. I believe a lot of that is from being in the Marine Corps — having that drive, that spirit." — Kris Coetzee
Michael was born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and grew up in Abilene, Texas. He enlisted in 2005 because it was time to commit to a career and he was drawn to serve. He became a combat engineer in the Marine Corps and completed two combat deployments — one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. In December 2010, Michael was hit by an IED and lost his left arm below the elbow. He also suffered shrapnel wounds to his back and legs.
Michael and Kris's love story started online. Michael had transitioned out of the military three years prior when Kris's sister talked her into joining eHarmony. It wasn't long before Mike was on a plane from Colorado and they were meeting for the first time. Now, two and a half years later, Kris still thinks Mike is the kindest man she has ever met.
"When I'm sick, he makes me soup. He makes me lunch every day before work and cooks dinner for me when I get home. He's amazing," she said.
On November 28, 2017, Furnishing Hope had the honor of meeting Kris at the home she shares with Michael in Spring Valley, CA. At 10am the Furnishing Hope team arrived with a truckload of furniture, supplies, and home décor — their gift to Michael for his service and sacrifice.
When seeing the newly furnished home for the first time, Kris was thrilled to find the team had even brought and decorated a Christmas tree. "It is all so beautiful — this table is something out of my dreams! To be able to entertain, it's so open and inviting!" The living room and dining room are their favorite spaces. Michael chose this home for its open space and mountain setting — he has a difficult time in crowds, but enjoys being close enough to the beach to surf. The four bedrooms are ones they hope to fill with children someday soon.
"We lived with nothing for the longest time. We didn't have furniture — the home didn't even have proper flooring. I think that for a long time, having the house the way it was, part of Mike's trips snowboarding was him escaping. He didn't have somewhere to come home to. Now it's a sanctuary and a home, not just a roof over our heads," said Kris.
Michael Spivey is currently in Finland, where he is training for the Paralympics and hoping to earn a spot on the US Snowboarding Team.
