Thriving through tough times

By LUKE SLABODA – Viewpoints Writer

For Ben and Donna Slaboda, parents of seven, their priorities lie in family over finance. “Luke Slaboda, you are a rich man living in a poor family.” Donna Slaboda, my mom, often says.

I forget the real focus of the Slaboda family. As Slabodas, we don’t worry about money and material-objects, we know that what really matters is family. With this mindset, Ben and Donna started their lives together. Ben and Donna got married in June 25, 1977. They had little money to begin with, but they always had enough to pay the bills and still enjoy life.

“We didn’t have any debt, so we always had money saved. We were able to go on a cross-country trip,” Donna said , “We didn’t worry about (money), it wasn’t a big deal.”

Six months after their marriage, Ben and Donna were given an unexpected surprise: Donna was pregnant with their first child, Melissa. Even with a baby on the way, Ben and Donna remained calm.

“Things were a lot simpler back then, people didn’t expect you to have that much. You didn’t really talk about the cost of raising a child.” Donna said, “We paid for the doctor as we went and we paid the hospital out of pocket.”

Eighteen months later, Donna was pregnant again. With another child on the way, they had to stretch each paycheck further than expected, but it always stretched far enough. Regardless of their income, or seven children, Ben and Donna lived simple lives. However, in the past two years, Ben and Donna began struggling financially. Ben was the pastor of a church, as well as a professional painter. Because of some unexpected problems in the church, Ben had to begin painting again. As a result of the urgency, he did not have time to put a financial plan in place.

“I figured I’d go out and start a business, just work my trade which was painting. I didn’t have to do any real planning. I mean, (my kids) like to eat everyday,” Ben said.

Between the economic crash, loss of a steady income and Donna completing college, the Slabodas had to crack down on spending. They began living from paycheck to paycheck, which is something they were not used to doing.

“In the past, it was always paying the bills and saving, whereas now, it’s living week to week. We’ve never lived like this before,” Donna said.

Ben and Donna’s children give newly adopted Luke a good Slaboda welcome!

The motivation behind Ben and Donna’s perseverance was three things: God first, marriage second and family third – always. They developed this mindset prior to being married, it was engraved in their hearts.

“Well, I think we’ve always lived our lives in faith and trust in God, with purpose and meaning,” Ben said. “I think that it’s something that will always motivate us. I think that our trust in God has always been a constant.”

The motivation of putting money as a secondary priority in life is what kept their chins up throughout their struggles. People unfamiliar with the Slaboda family questioned why they had so many children.

“We have had the most fun raising all of our kids.” Donna said, “Our family is so funny. I have so much fun going on road trips with my kids and talking to them and getting their perspective. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything; I think that’s what true wealth is.”

Slabodas squeeze together and snap a silly photo.

In 37 years of marriage, Ben and Donna have yet to find an excuse to stop moving forward. They realized from the beginning that all they wanted was to be surrounded by family. Victoria Slaboda learned important lessons as a child that helped her later in life.

“Mom and Dad taught us the value of a dollar by giving us opportunities to earn money, rather than be handed an allowance. They always made sure we focused on non-materialistic things like, family and friends.”

When looking back, Ben and Donna see more good than bad. Even in this tough financial time, they try not worry about getting the bills paid, they believe that it will happen if they keep their priorities straight. They continue to smile daily at what has been given to them, and look towards the future with hope knowing more good is to come.