Huxley Mayhew

There is no doubt that Huxley Mayhew was a bright light in the lives of many. Born three weeks early, he lived his short time as a fighter. Hux’s infectious smile could light up any room and his life was a constant reminder that life itself is a precious gift from God. Gone too soon, he will be deeply missed by his family and the many special people he leaves behind.

With great anticipation, his parents, Jon and Alexis Mayhew, began preparing for Huxley’s arrival. His mother, an OBGYN, and his father, a pediatrician, started following his growth as early as April of 2019. His older brothers, Xander and Max, enjoyed getting sneak peeks of their little brother on frequent trips to their mommy’s office for ultrasounds. Throughout the third trimester, Hux's growth was slowing more than usual which led to his early arrival.

Jon was gowned up and ready to catch Hux as soon as he was born on Friday, December 13th at 6:59 pm! Weighing just 5 pounds 4 ounces and 18 inches long, after some gentle hugs and kisses from his parents, he was sent to the NICU at Valley Children's Hospital for the critical care he needed with breathing and nutrition. In his incubator transport and later under the bright blue bili lights, he looked as though he was being prepped for the Space Force! Just six days later, he was welcomed home by two very enthusiastic brothers and grateful parents.

The course of Huxley’s four months were filled with many interesting highlights. Time Magazine named sixteen-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg, Person of the Year, the House voted on two articles of impeachment for President Trump and there was an outbreak of the Coronavirus causing a global pandemic. Yet, inside the warmth of the Mayhew household were cuddles, smiles, and milestones. Although Hux loved to be held a large majority of his enjoyment was spent watching his older brothers, Xander and Max, entertain him. Hux was always alert during bedtime stories and enjoyed watching his brothers wrestle with their Daddy. He had a love-hate relationship with bath-time. He seemed to favor the warmth of the water and once he was content he hated to get out! An especially favorite activity was enjoying the sunlight. Hux often fell into a deep and peaceful slumber after any amount of time in the sun. It was as if it was the natural cure for all the fussiness in his world.

The more Hux grew, the more his personality showed. Alert as well as active, he would often sit mesmerized by both the wonders of nature as well as the mannerisms of people. His mommy liked to think that Hux preferred breastmilk but felt blessed that he tolerated a special formula that helped him gain weight. Beginning to smile and chuckle more, it was not uncommon to attempt to feed him a bottle only to look down and find him grinning instead! Even when struggling with his reflux and feeding issues he always seemed to break out a sweet little smile that will forever be etched on the hearts and minds of his loving parents. They have many fond memories of laying next to him or holding him in the sunlight especially during his last moments.

Huxley's special spirit left a lasting impression on all those who knew and loved him. May his loved ones always reflect on his remarkable presence among them as well as the never-ending sweetness and joy he provided during such a trying time in our nation’s history. May the words of Romans 8:18-39 bring great comfort and healing to his loved ones and may his memories be eternal. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us...What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ... For I am sure that neither death nor life...nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Huxley Archer Mayhew passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at the tender age of four months and one day. Huxley is survived by his loving parents, Jon and Alexis; his brothers; Xander and Max; his grandparents; Robert and Kathleen Homan and Gerald and Linda Mayhew; many aunts, uncles, and cousins, including a special cousin, Charlie Robert Smith. The family wishes to send their heartfelt thanks to Valley Children's PICU team for their compassionate care of Hux during his time with them. Thank you to our family, work friends and church family from Grace Church of the Valley who helped love Huxley so deeply.