This is the story of the Lomax family. Jonathan, Siobhain, Benaiah, JP, Luke, and Elijah have agreed to share their story so that you can be encouraged.
Jon shared, “Life was looking like it was taking a great turn. My wife Siobhain and I were both working profitable jobs, our kids were thriving, and we had just found out that we were expecting our fourth baby!” In January 2021, faced with illness, the loss of a special family member, and the delay of a promised promotion things took a turn. “We were excited to go to an ultrasound to get our first look at our baby Elijah’s face and get his general checkup at 20 weeks. We were shocked that he had fluid building up in his brain at an accelerated rate, which was pushing against his brain tissue and could cause damage, if left unchecked.” The family was referred to a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons in Houston.
“We certainly were not financially prepared for multiple road trips, staying in hotels, and large medical bills, but we found a way to make it work for our baby, and made trips down to Houston during the last few months of the pregnancy.”
Elijah Victor Lomax was born at 36 weeks in Houston on July 13th. He was all of 6lbs 7oz, with a head that was the size of a 1 month old baby. He had brain surgery at 3 months old, and has a long road ahead of him.
Jonathan told me “In October, we looked up and found that the credit cards were no longer going to keep us afloat, and we were facing a rent bill without the money to pay for it. In my mind, I thought, ‘we shouldn’t be in a position to need financial aid’.” Jon had to swallow his pride to ask for help.
With the help of Next Steps, they were able to have their rent paid and get back on their feet. Jon later stated, “If our story can help someone get over their pride like I had to do, I am happy to tell it.” Jon elaborated, “even though we all go through hard times in this world, I have learned that there are more people willing to help than we might realize. Through all of these obstacles this year, I’ve learned that we won’t give up our faith in God’s provision.”