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One Day at a Time
A treasured son. A rare condition. A memoir of loss and joy and everything in between.
My mind is racing. I'm trying to make sense of what the doctors have told us, to understand what life is going to look like now, for Levi and for us.
We need to tell our families, I think to myself. But Mum is so unwell—how are we going to tell Mum?
On a Melbourne afternoon in the eerie early days of the pandemic, young parents Jordan and Gary Ablett finally learned why their beautiful baby boy, Levi, had not been hitting the milestones that most new parents celebrate and are reassured by.
After months of concern and worry, the specialists' diagnosis gave them clarity, but with it came an overwhelming sorrow at the loss of the life they had imagined for their son, and for themselves as a family.
In One Day at a Time, Jordan bravely shares how she struggled to come to terms with Levi's condition and the new, unexpected path her life had taken raising a child with a disability, while helping to care for her beloved mother as she lived through the final stages of cancer.
Raw and honest, this is a story of devastating grief and pain, but it is also the story of how, with the love and unwavering support of her family, and with her faith as her anchor, Jordan and her AFL legend husband found the courage to go on and learned to celebrate every day with Levi as a blessing. It's about finding joy in what you have, even as you mourn what you have lost, and never taking life for granted.
My mind is racing. I'm trying to make sense of what the doctors have told us, to understand what life is going to look like now, for Levi and for us.
We need to tell our families, I think to myself. But Mum is so unwell—how are we going to tell Mum?
On a Melbourne afternoon in the eerie early days of the pandemic, young parents Jordan and Gary Ablett finally learned why their beautiful baby boy, Levi, had not been hitting the milestones that most new parents celebrate and are reassured by.
After months of concern and worry, the specialists' diagnosis gave them clarity, but with it came an overwhelming sorrow at the loss of the life they had imagined for their son, and for themselves as a family.
In One Day at a Time, Jordan bravely shares how she struggled to come to terms with Levi's condition and the new, unexpected path her life had taken raising a child with a disability, while helping to care for her beloved mother as she lived through the final stages of cancer.
Raw and honest, this is a story of devastating grief and pain, but it is also the story of how, with the love and unwavering support of her family, and with her faith as her anchor, Jordan and her AFL legend husband found the courage to go on and learned to celebrate every day with Levi as a blessing. It's about finding joy in what you have, even as you mourn what you have lost, and never taking life for granted.
- GenresAudiobookAutobiography
Paperback
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 18, 2025
I really enjoyed hearing Jordan’s story. Losing your mum and having a child diagnosed with a condition is something I resonate with all too well (although I gotta say the Jesus stuff is where I do not resonate w her 😅)
July 24, 2025
I recommend this book. It’s written very well with so much raw emotion. The grief and the appreciation of living one day at a time.
May 7, 2025
A great book! Very touching. I really enjoyed the journey of this book. As a person who has a sister with a disability with some traits similar to Levi, I found this book incredibly moving. Jordan’s perspective on being a mother of a child with a disability was something I could resonate with. Having also lost a parent, I found I connected with this part of the book too. It was an emotional read and I did find myself a bit of a blubbering mess at times but still thoroughly enjoyed. A beautiful story, with some beautiful messages.
May 5, 2025
This was absolutely beautiful, had me in tears multiple times, amazingly written.
Listened as an audio book.
Listened as an audio book.
May 22, 2025
I enjoyed this book for the most part, though I felt it would have been more fitting as a joint memoir with Jordan’s husband, Gary Ablett, since the first half focused heavily on his football career. It wasn’t until the second half that Jordan’s voice truly emerged, as she shared more about her own experiences—her mother’s battle with cancer and her son’s diagnosis in particular.
While it was a heartfelt and emotional read, it often felt more like Jordan’s personal memoir framed around her husband’s public profile, which made the structure feel somewhat uneven. I would have loved to hear more from Jordan herself throughout.
While it was a heartfelt and emotional read, it often felt more like Jordan’s personal memoir framed around her husband’s public profile, which made the structure feel somewhat uneven. I would have loved to hear more from Jordan herself throughout.
October 3, 2025
I'm writing this review early because I'm just really struggling to get through this book. I'm sorry for it to sound harsh but the blurb sold me on a different story. One I'm yet to read. This book is supposed to be about the struggles of a mother who's child has a disability. Instead, I'm about 99 pages in with no mention of the pregnancy. One third of the book is mostly about her husband Gary's footy career. I swear she mentioned in the beginning she was going to 'briefly' talk about her homelife, childhood and meeting her husband which, fine, I'm happy to read about but I didn't realise it would 100 pages. So far the 100 pages really could have just been condensed into a few short chapters. There is also a repeating paragraph on page 97/98. I'm hoping the rest of the book will change my mind but I'm doubtful. The writing is poor. It feels as if I'm reading diary entries.
May 13, 2025
This book had me tearing up, clenching my heart, and completely unable to put it down. One Day At A Time is raw, honest, faith-filled, and deeply moving. It’s one of the most relatable books I’ve ever read. 😢❤️📚
As a parent now, reading this from a mother’s perspective really struck a different chord. I had a sibling with a rare condition called Batten disease — also without a cure and sadly fatal. Reading about Jordan and Gary’s journey brought back so many memories. The hospital testing, the emotions, the ache of uncertainty — we went through it too, even at the Royal Children’s Hospital. 🏥💔
Living in the country myself, I also deeply related to the long travel to and from hospital appointments. 🚗⛰️ The exhaustion, the planning, the hope and heartbreak packed into each trip — it’s something only families who’ve been through it can truly understand. This book captured that reality so tenderly and truthfully.
Jordan’s courage, her unwavering faith, and the love she pours into every page is unforgettable. 🙌🏼 It was also really special to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their life outside of the diagnosis — including their connection to the football world 🏉, their beautiful relationship with family and friends 👨👩👧👦, and how those connections became both a support and comfort through the toughest of days.
I especially appreciated the tender moments with her mum — how she showed up with strength and love, even when things were incredibly hard. 👩👧💗 It was a reminder of how important it is to have people by your side, no matter the season.
These were just some of my favourite quotes:
Page 88: “We do get the opportunity to learn from our past experiences and allow them to influence our decision making today.” 🌱
Page 158: “I'm so thankful for the advancements in medical research… I think about all the children in the past whose conditions went undiagnosed… how desperate their parents must have felt.” 🧬🕊
Page 247: “I was choosing to give my attention to what wasn't happening, rather than pouring my energy into what was… Those moments… are, in fact, real blessings.” ✨🙏🏼
Page 275: “I wanted to live differently, more purposefully… to prioritise what was essential in my life and let go of all the things that weren't.” 🌿💫
An absolutely beautiful, heartfelt read that will stay with me forever.
Thank you, Jordan, for sharing your story. 🤍
Highly recommend!
As a parent now, reading this from a mother’s perspective really struck a different chord. I had a sibling with a rare condition called Batten disease — also without a cure and sadly fatal. Reading about Jordan and Gary’s journey brought back so many memories. The hospital testing, the emotions, the ache of uncertainty — we went through it too, even at the Royal Children’s Hospital. 🏥💔
Living in the country myself, I also deeply related to the long travel to and from hospital appointments. 🚗⛰️ The exhaustion, the planning, the hope and heartbreak packed into each trip — it’s something only families who’ve been through it can truly understand. This book captured that reality so tenderly and truthfully.
Jordan’s courage, her unwavering faith, and the love she pours into every page is unforgettable. 🙌🏼 It was also really special to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their life outside of the diagnosis — including their connection to the football world 🏉, their beautiful relationship with family and friends 👨👩👧👦, and how those connections became both a support and comfort through the toughest of days.
I especially appreciated the tender moments with her mum — how she showed up with strength and love, even when things were incredibly hard. 👩👧💗 It was a reminder of how important it is to have people by your side, no matter the season.
These were just some of my favourite quotes:
Page 88: “We do get the opportunity to learn from our past experiences and allow them to influence our decision making today.” 🌱
Page 158: “I'm so thankful for the advancements in medical research… I think about all the children in the past whose conditions went undiagnosed… how desperate their parents must have felt.” 🧬🕊
Page 247: “I was choosing to give my attention to what wasn't happening, rather than pouring my energy into what was… Those moments… are, in fact, real blessings.” ✨🙏🏼
Page 275: “I wanted to live differently, more purposefully… to prioritise what was essential in my life and let go of all the things that weren't.” 🌿💫
An absolutely beautiful, heartfelt read that will stay with me forever.
Thank you, Jordan, for sharing your story. 🤍
Highly recommend!
June 23, 2025
Yes, I'm going to be that person who criticises a book about disability but here I am.
It's not that I have an issue with disability, I don't, I picked up this book wanting to learn more about Levi's diagnosis and story but there's very little substance in this book. A large chunk of this book is about Jordan's upbringing, and Gary's football career (but this isn't advertised as a book about Gary's career, which it should have been.
The writing is very average too, there's a lot of filler and unnecessary details which felt like it was required just to meet the word count.
I think all up there's a handful of chapters about Levi's story, they were good. The part about losing her mum is also tragic and that was a captive read but I skimmed the rest of the book - lots of filler.
It would have been better written as a joint bio between Gary and Jordan, I would have been a much better book.
It's not that I have an issue with disability, I don't, I picked up this book wanting to learn more about Levi's diagnosis and story but there's very little substance in this book. A large chunk of this book is about Jordan's upbringing, and Gary's football career (but this isn't advertised as a book about Gary's career, which it should have been.
The writing is very average too, there's a lot of filler and unnecessary details which felt like it was required just to meet the word count.
I think all up there's a handful of chapters about Levi's story, they were good. The part about losing her mum is also tragic and that was a captive read but I skimmed the rest of the book - lots of filler.
It would have been better written as a joint bio between Gary and Jordan, I would have been a much better book.
May 16, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Personal Memoir, Uplifting, Heart Wrenching
- - -
I’ve been on a memoir roll lately and One Day At A Time by Jordan Ablett is one that will absolutely stay with me for a long time to come.
This book was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Jordan shares her life with such grace from her close knit family upbringing to falling in love with AFL legend Gary Ablett Jnr, and raising their children and her faith. Her story is honest and shared full of love.
The most powerful parts of this memoir were her raw reflections on her mum’s cancer journey and the unimaginable challenges faced after her son Levi’s devastating diagnosis. Listening to the audiobook as a mum myself, I was often on the verge of tears moved by Jordan’s vulnerability and unwavering strength in such tough times.
While the subject matter is undeniably emotional, it’s also deeply inspiring. This memoir is a tribute to the power of love, support networks and resilience. Jordan’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there can be light.
If you’re a memoir lover or someone who appreciates stories that are as moving as they are powerful, this is a heartfelt must read (or listen).
Vibes: Personal Memoir, Uplifting, Heart Wrenching
- - -
I’ve been on a memoir roll lately and One Day At A Time by Jordan Ablett is one that will absolutely stay with me for a long time to come.
This book was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Jordan shares her life with such grace from her close knit family upbringing to falling in love with AFL legend Gary Ablett Jnr, and raising their children and her faith. Her story is honest and shared full of love.
The most powerful parts of this memoir were her raw reflections on her mum’s cancer journey and the unimaginable challenges faced after her son Levi’s devastating diagnosis. Listening to the audiobook as a mum myself, I was often on the verge of tears moved by Jordan’s vulnerability and unwavering strength in such tough times.
While the subject matter is undeniably emotional, it’s also deeply inspiring. This memoir is a tribute to the power of love, support networks and resilience. Jordan’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there can be light.
If you’re a memoir lover or someone who appreciates stories that are as moving as they are powerful, this is a heartfelt must read (or listen).
May 14, 2025
What a beautifully written story, so raw and honest. Growing up in South West Victoria, my two brothers were avid Geelong supporters so I grew up hearing lots about the Ablett family. Some parts of this story I found really emotional. After losing both my parents seven months apart back in 2022, I could definitely relate to Jordan’s story of losing her mum and wishing that my kids had the chance to know their grandparents. Learning of Levi’s diagnosis must have been so heartbreaking and to be able to share their story shows pure strength.
⭐️I give this book 5 stars ⭐️
⭐️I give this book 5 stars ⭐️
August 24, 2025
I am not the target audience for this book, but was interested in her journey nonetheless. Jordan has a very blessed life with a really tight network around her, I consider that lucky. She has had some really tough challenges and I appreciate the openness and vulnerability in her book. My heart tore for her and her family with her mums illness and death. Can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to relive that chapter in such detail.
I am sure this book will be a support for those going through similar hardships.
I am sure this book will be a support for those going through similar hardships.
May 12, 2025
What a remarkable woman Jordan is and such vulnerability to share her story. So raw and so honest. To experience that amount of heartache and devastation in such a short period of time is hard to fathom. To still find the joy and strength, and lean in to the love and lessons that are there to be learnt is inspiring. This book is a true reminder to us all, to always appreciate what you have, treasure every single day and find the joy in the simplest things.
December 28, 2025
I quite enjoyed this. Not all of it is about Levi. A lot of it is back story about Jordan's family and Gary's career. While there were some parts that were slow (and perhaps not needed), I kept wanting to read on. The stress about Levi's delayed developments and the search and wait for a diagnosis resonated with me strongly as I have a daughter with a disability. A must read if you need a reminder to appreciate what you do have and to make the most of every day.
September 8, 2025
The raw emotion had me balling my eyes out.
This hit me on a deep level as Jordan was describing the loss of her mother as it reminded me of a loss of my favourite family member.
I don’t have any other words to describe how important this book is.
Plus seeing into the life of an AFL star was enjoyable.
A must read in my opinion.
This hit me on a deep level as Jordan was describing the loss of her mother as it reminded me of a loss of my favourite family member.
I don’t have any other words to describe how important this book is.
Plus seeing into the life of an AFL star was enjoyable.
A must read in my opinion.
May 12, 2025
Beautiful family
Beautiful, loving and supportive family and Jordan told the story straight from the heart. You can see Levi is a ray of sunshine. Very insightful, tragic and heart-warming read. I wish the family all the very best
Beautiful, loving and supportive family and Jordan told the story straight from the heart. You can see Levi is a ray of sunshine. Very insightful, tragic and heart-warming read. I wish the family all the very best
May 19, 2025
I finished this very quickly and this is more a testament to how much I enjoyed Jordan’s story. She is really impassioned in her experiences and you really feel like you get to know her and her family.
June 1, 2025
Beautiful book. Written by Jordan Ablett, wife of footballer Gary Ablett. It’s mainly about their son Levi and his journey through many obstacles he’s had to go through with a rare disease. I was in tears for most of the book. So many highs and lows and beautiful moments about love and loss.
June 28, 2025
Oh dear, I am going against the grain here, and I dislike “bagging” someone’s story, but seriously this book read like a 10 year old had written it. How on earth did a publisher agree to publishing this inane jumble of words
May 7, 2025
Beautiful book, thank you for sharing your story!
May 9, 2025
What a wonderful, vulnerable book. It even made me not hate Joel Selwood as much.
June 8, 2025
Jordan has done an incredible job at telling her story and inspiring the reader. Jordan’s book is vulnerable, heartfelt and compelling. Highly recommend.
June 16, 2025
Such a heartbreaking but beautiful story of love and family and what the Abletts have been through.
June 29, 2025
Beautiful insight to a high profile AFL family. An emotonal read. So much love.
August 15, 2025
Amazing very motivating and emotional
October 25, 2025
An extremely moving journey told with raw honesty, emotion & love!
October 30, 2025
🎧 AUDIOBOOK
November 1, 2025
Beautifully written
August 23, 2025
An honest and interesting memoir about Jordan and Gary Ablett. Navigating the complexities of a child with a disability, caring for a mother dying of cancer, and the power of their faith and wider community.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which was narrated well by Jess Stanley.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which was narrated well by Jess Stanley.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews