815.762.1811
brad@bradvest.com
Memphis, Tennessee
Darren and Kim have had their lives changed over the past years while caring form Kim’s grandchildren, 6-year-old Jenna and 4-year-old Ayden. The couple has been married for only four years, but have been together for nearly thirteen. The addition of Kim’s grandkids has effectively doubled the size of their household as well as exponentially expanding their worries and responsibilities.
Kim’s daughter, Angel, got into trouble with Children Protective Services and lost the custody of her third child, Donavon. Angel gave birth to Donovan, her youngest child, with more than five drugs in his system, including methamphetamines, heroin, and multiple un-prescribed prescription drugs. Immediately the child was taken into foster care and the custody of her two older children was revoked, placing the kids in a position with an uncertain future and leaving Darren and Kim as temporary caregivers.
“It’s really tough, especially for Jenna,” Kim said as she washed a couple of dishes for the kids' morning breakfast. “There are good days and bad days. Ayden’s not really of the age to understand what’s going on, but Jenna really misses her mom.”
“It gives me a sense of worth knowing that I’m trying to do a good thing for those two little ones. I’d do anything in the world for em’,” Darren said. “I’d give them two little shits the last dime in my pocket just to make sure that they were safe, happy, and healthy.” Darren wipes a tear from his eye while watching the kids curled together on the couch in the family’s living room. “Those two little ones will always have a home here, I’ll do everything I can, and if it’s the last thing I do it’s to make sure that they’re always welcome here and have a home to come back to.”
