Without a Word: How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything

by Jill Kelly Narrated by Jill Kelly

Overview

"Your son has been diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy. There is no treatment and no cure. I will do everything I can to help your son. But the disease has already progressed so fast that I don't think he will live to see his second birthday." With these words, pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, were catapulted from a seemingly fairy-tale life of celebrity into a world of private struggle and medical uncertainty. What the public didn't know, however, was that behind the scenes lurked more than a family's pain at the dire prognosis of their only son. Hunter's illness exposed the troubled depths of a marriage that had long been shadowed by uncertainties of its own. For eight years the future was unwritten, with Hunter defying all medical odds and his parents pursuing every means to save his life. Meanwhile, Jim and Jill's marriage continued to fail yet was held together only by their love for their kids and their determined hope for Hunter. Though Hunter's illness prevented him from ever speaking a word, his will and unconditional love spoke volumes to his family and all who knew him. And in time, the light of Hunter's silent, all-too-brief life shone into the darkened corners of Jim and Jill's lives, leading them to authentic faith, a restored relationship, and the establishment of a foundation that is reaching other families with terminally ill children around the world. Without a Word transparently shares it all: The heartbreaking moments . . . and those Jill would love to relive. Moments that add up to a time filled with unimaginable pain . . . and indescribable joy. Moments that silently transformed the hearts of every member of her family . . . and changed their lives forever. Moments that may even change your heart and life, too.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Kelly, wife of pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and mom to Hunter, the child on whom her memoir is focused, shares her experience with a candid and genuine spirit. Jill entered the big leagues with Buffalo Bills quarterback Kelly as a naïve young 20-something woman who first became pregnant and then became Mrs. Kelly. The author quite transparently discusses how ill-equipped both she and Jim were for matrimony. When their second child, Hunter, was born with the neurodegenerative disorder Krabbe disease, life turned inside out for them as individuals and as a couple. The text chronicles Hunter's medical journey; his spirit of love overcame countless obstacles while affecting his family's lives, even long after he died. Kelly shares one very public family's journey through grievous suffering and shows how God healed their pain in his own time and way. (Sept.)

From the Publisher

"We know through our own experience of having a son with Autism that challenges also present many blessings. We admire the fact that Jim and Jill have been willing to share both their struggles and successes with the world. This story is a tribute to Hunter James Kelly. Hunter's short life transformed the Kelly family, and through the work of Hunter's Hope, the foundation that bears his name, his life will touch countless other families. Reading this book was like watching a miracle unfold."—Dan and Claire Marino

"Jim and Jill Kelly were always headed toward greatness. Who knew that a Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills would be dwarfed by their son, Hunter? This is a story that refuses to detail a sadness that would seem only natural. Instead, it is an uplifting tale of courage, hope, and love. We are proud to call the Kelly family our friends. You will, too!"—Chris and Katherine Berman

"The story of the Kelly family is painful, but it is not a story of pain. It's a story of redemption, grace, reconciliation, and the powerful activity of the work-all-things-for-good God. I found myself left without a word as I read it—humbled by the courage of Hunter, the love of his sisters, and the indescribable way that God demonstrated His love to Jim and Jill. Their story has served to enflame my faith, and it will yours as well."—Dr. Jerry Gillis, lead pastor, the Chapel at CrossPoint, Buffalo, NY

"I was emotionally drained but inspired when I read Jill's book. God's timing was perfect. This wonderful book helped me to see my own 'trials' in a completely different light."—Denise Jackson, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM

Chris and Katherine Berman

"Jim and Jill Kelly were always headed toward greatness. Who knew that a Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills would be dwarfed by their son, Hunter? This is a story that refuses to detail a sadness that would seem only natural. Instead, it is an uplifting tale of courage, hope, and love. We are proud to call the Kelly family our friends. You will, too!"

Dan and Claire Marino

"We know through our own experience of having a son with Autism that challenges also present many blessings. We admire the fact that Jim and Jill have been willing to share both their struggles and successes with the world. This story is a tribute to Hunter James Kelly. Hunter's short life transformed the Kelly family, and through the work of Hunter's Hope, the foundation that bears his name, his life will touch countless other families. Reading this book was like watching a miracle unfold."

Denise Jackson

"I was emotionally drained but inspired when I read Jill's book. God's timing was perfect. This wonderful book helped me to see my own 'trials' in a completely different light."

Dr. Jerry Gillis

"The story of the Kelly family is painful, but it is not a story of pain. It's a story of redemption, grace, reconciliation, and the powerful activity of the work-all-things-for-good God. I found myself left without a word as I read it—humbled by the courage of Hunter, the love of his sisters, and the indescribable way that God demonstrated His love to Jim and Jill. Their story has served to enflame my faith, and it will yours as well."

Brett and Deanna Farve

"Jim and Jill must be commended for sharing this heartfelt story. Their bravery and courage is unsurpassable. This book has given us a different view of the Kellys. We always knew them as part of the extended football family, but now we see them as a family with real struggles . . . a family who used their faith in God and their love for one another to press on! We will forever look at them in a different light. The Kellys are amazing parents, but off the football field Hunter was the true warrior!"

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172157943
Publisher:	Oasis Audio
Publication date:	05/02/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

Related Subjects

• Biography
• Self-Help & Relationships
• Bibles & Christianity
• Religion
• General & Miscellaneous Biography
• Medical Figures & Patient Narratives
• Self-Improvement
• Christianity
• Patient Narratives
• Family Memoirs - Biography
• Emotional Healing
• Christian Life
• Biography - General & Miscellaneous
• Brain & Nervous System Disease Patients - Biography
• Family Memoirs & Histories
• Infant & Child Patients - Biography
• Parenting & Family - Christian Life
• Death, Grief & Bereavement
• Grief->Personal narratives

Videos