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Without a Word: How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything
WITHOUT A WORD is a riveting memoir that blends remarkable achievement with passion, sacrifice, love, pain, and human interest. It takes the reader into the lives of a celebrity couple, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, and his wife, Jill, to reveal the Kelly family's private struggle and how eight and a half years with their severely disabled, terminally ill son, Hunter, unfolded in a redemptive and transforming manner. The light of Hunter's love through his brief and silent life shone into the shadowed corners of Jill and Jim's lives resulting in Jill believing that Jesus Christ was authentic, her learning to forgive Jim of past indiscretions, and finally resulting in Jim's seeking and finding God. Lessons gleaned from Hunter's life and death, and Jim and Jill's struggle to save their marriage during tumultuous times, make this a compelling and inspiring read.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
14 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Jill Kelly
34 books19 followersJill Kelly is the wife of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly. In September 1997, three months after their infant son, Hunter, was diagnosed with a fatal disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy, Jim and Jill founded the Hunter's Hope Foundation. As chairman of the board of Hunter's Hope, Jill helps children suffering from Leukodystrophy and their families by raising awareness and research funds to fight this devastating disease. She and Jim live in Buffalo, NY, with their two daughters and three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 14, 2014
this book was probably more like a three, but I have it a five because there is no place like the Allegheny's, the vineyards off of lake Erie, the finger lakes, the apple orchards, Niagara falls, and the immigrant hominess of the Italians and Poles in and around buffalo - my hometown. Jim kelly vowed he would never play for buffalo, and when he was drafted by them in the first round of the 83 draft, he ran to the USFL. when that folded, he came to buffalo and experienced the intoxicating love for life western New Yorkers have and he was hooked. I was 13-16 years old when the bills went to the super bowl 4 years in a row. little did I know, until I picked up a book in an airport 2 years ago that jim and his wife Jill had gotten saved. this book is their journey. they still live in buffalo, and this is a book every buffalonian should read. tears in my eyes throughout.
December 7, 2010
MY REVIEW:
I grew up in NY and the Buffalo Bills were "my" team. I even went to got my Jim Kelly trading card autographed one time when I was about 12! So it was with great interest that I listened to this audio book.
First of all I really enjoyed the fact that Jill Kelly read her own book. The vocal expression was wonderful and it was easier to listen to knowing that how she said what she said, was how she meant it. I also enjoyed hearing the voices of Jim, Erin, and Cameron as well.
Jill - and the whole family, really - were so open and vulnerable in this book and their story is amazing! It's a testament to God's amazing love and goodness. I was touched by their honesty, inspired by their passion, and encouraged by their journey to the Savior.
If you want to more about the Kelly family or just simple want a good biography to listen to, this is a perfect one to select.
BOOK 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.
BOOK DETAILS:
Published by: Oasis Audio
ISBN:9781598597943
Price: $25.99
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.
I grew up in NY and the Buffalo Bills were "my" team. I even went to got my Jim Kelly trading card autographed one time when I was about 12! So it was with great interest that I listened to this audio book.
First of all I really enjoyed the fact that Jill Kelly read her own book. The vocal expression was wonderful and it was easier to listen to knowing that how she said what she said, was how she meant it. I also enjoyed hearing the voices of Jim, Erin, and Cameron as well.
Jill - and the whole family, really - were so open and vulnerable in this book and their story is amazing! It's a testament to God's amazing love and goodness. I was touched by their honesty, inspired by their passion, and encouraged by their journey to the Savior.
If you want to more about the Kelly family or just simple want a good biography to listen to, this is a perfect one to select.
BOOK 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.
BOOK DETAILS:
Published by: Oasis Audio
ISBN:9781598597943
Price: $25.99
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.
November 3, 2010
Not being a football fan I had never heard of Jim Kelly, or his wife Jill, what initially drew me to this book was the fact that Tim McGraw and Faith Hill had written the forward, but once I read this book, I am certain I will never forget the Kelly family and the special little boy that God entrusted them to take care of!
Hunter James Kelly was born on Feb 14 1997 on his fathers birthday, and at the age of four months old was diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease, called Krabbe Leukodystrophy, for which there was no cure or treatments. His parents Jim and Jill Kelly were told that he probably wouldn't live to be two years old.
This was a story that I was unable to put down. I became totally immersed in reading not just Hunter's story but the Kelly's story as well. Jill opens up her heart as a wife and mother and shares the struggles and joys of taking care of a terminally ill child, while trying to maintain a marriage and take care of her other children, she shows us the true meaning of a mothers love.We also hear from Jim as well as Hunter's sisters about their feelings while struggling with the loss of their loved one.
As the title suggests Hunter never uttered a word during his eight year stay on earth but thru this amazing story his life will forever be remembered.Even though this may sound like a sad story of a young boy's life cut short by illness it actually is so much more, we see a family led to God during this story. Its a story filled with hope, love, heartbreak and faith.A story I would highly recommend. Thank you Jim and Jill Kelly for sharing the story of Hunter with us!
I would like to add that 50% of the proceeds of this book will go to Hunter's Hope Foundation. Hunter's Hope confronts the critical need for information, awareness, and research in response to the threat of Krabbe disease and related Leukodystrophies.Click here to go to learn more about this foundation.
Thanks to Faith Words for providing me a review copy of this book. Even though I was provided a review copy of this book it in no way alters my opinion of this book.
Hunter James Kelly was born on Feb 14 1997 on his fathers birthday, and at the age of four months old was diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease, called Krabbe Leukodystrophy, for which there was no cure or treatments. His parents Jim and Jill Kelly were told that he probably wouldn't live to be two years old.
This was a story that I was unable to put down. I became totally immersed in reading not just Hunter's story but the Kelly's story as well. Jill opens up her heart as a wife and mother and shares the struggles and joys of taking care of a terminally ill child, while trying to maintain a marriage and take care of her other children, she shows us the true meaning of a mothers love.We also hear from Jim as well as Hunter's sisters about their feelings while struggling with the loss of their loved one.
As the title suggests Hunter never uttered a word during his eight year stay on earth but thru this amazing story his life will forever be remembered.Even though this may sound like a sad story of a young boy's life cut short by illness it actually is so much more, we see a family led to God during this story. Its a story filled with hope, love, heartbreak and faith.A story I would highly recommend. Thank you Jim and Jill Kelly for sharing the story of Hunter with us!
I would like to add that 50% of the proceeds of this book will go to Hunter's Hope Foundation. Hunter's Hope confronts the critical need for information, awareness, and research in response to the threat of Krabbe disease and related Leukodystrophies.Click here to go to learn more about this foundation.
Thanks to Faith Words for providing me a review copy of this book. Even though I was provided a review copy of this book it in no way alters my opinion of this book.
January 22, 2011
I won this book from Goodreads a while back and have yet to review it because I had some mixed feelings about it. Hunter's story was heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, and I really admire Jill's courage as far as being able to share very personal journal entries as well as the details of her troubled marriage. Her writing may not be the best, but she is sincere and, on occasion, almost painfully honest. However, as someone who is not as religious as Jill Kelly and am always struggling with my own faith (or lack thereof), this book was overly, almost uncomfortably religious to me at times. That being said, I still recommend this book, not only for the truly courageous story of Hunter, but also because it made me question my own beliefs about God.
August 30, 2012
Wow! I grew up watching Jim Kelly play football as my dad was a huge Buffalo Bills fan but I was unaware of his life off the field, until now. Praise God for Jill Kelly's powerful, beautiful testimony! Her story reminded me of what an awesome God we serve and how He truly works all things together for our good. While it is a story of great suffering, sorrow, and heartache, it is also a story of grace, redemption, forgiveness, and love and Jill gives all glory to God. All life is so precious; it's such a gift and I'm so thankful that The Kelly's shared the miracle of their son Hunter with us. The son who led them to Christ, transformed their hearts and marriage, and saved their family...all without speaking a word.
April 4, 2011
I cried on every page Jill Kelly's grief as well as total abandon for her son Hunter is palpable on every page. What an amazing story of how their lives are changed for Hunter having been in it!
July 3, 2019
An amazing story of a family dealing with difficulties and loss, yet finding love and the peace of God through it all. It makes you realize how often we see only the tiniest part of the people's lives around us, especially when those people have very "public" lives.
June 7, 2019
I read this book years ago after running across it in our nearest Barnes & Noble. At the time I was searching for a book that related to my situation more closely than the many many books written by mom’s or dads of children with Autism or Down Syndrome. Neither of those diagnosis’ were remotely close to what my son’s diagnosis was. I read this book in just a few hours nonstop one night. I finally felt like I had found something that reflected my thoughts, fears, struggles as a mom, as a wife and a Christian woman. The struggles surrounding their son’s special needs and complex medical needs, how those weighed on her marriage, how she coped etc. with exception to the specific details like being the wife of a pro football player, their son’s literal diagnosis, the total number of kids they had, her thoughts and feelings for her son, the role those played in her marriage and relationships with others, they were an echo of mine. I had searched 12 years unsuccessfully and really began to think there was something wrong with me because none of them related to me. I laughed, cried (a lot) and laughed some more. I so desperately wanted someone I cared about to actually understand how I felt but my family isn’t always the best at listening. I desperately needed someone to understand me. So I bought 7-8 and gave them as Christmas presents.
October 8, 2010
A review copy ... just begun. From the blurb: Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, and his wife, Jill, to reveal the Kelly family's private struggle and how seven years with their severely disabled, terminally ill son, Hunter, unfolded in a redemptive and transforming manner.
UPDATE:
I am struck by a couple of things. One is how the mother watches her two daughters play dolls and must have them fitted up for all the things that her sick son must have (oxygen, feeding tubes) and talk about their "very sick children." I am put in mind that this is like the flip side of The Power of the Powerless which is the first book I ever read that made me truly understand that life in itself is a precious thing no matter your abilities. That is told from a brother's point of view. Here we have the mother's.
Also, I think about the fact is that this couple has made just about every mistake one could imagine in their relationship ... had their first child before marriage, don't talk to each other about their true feelings, etc. You don't expect to read that in a book like this ... but you do begin to have a glimmer of how their dedication to their son helped ... as the title says ... "change everything."
So far, straight forward but good.
Note: too many review copies, some with specific deadlines for the review, have pushed this to the stack on the nightstand instead of the "active reading" part. Moving it to "to read" for a few days for that reason.
UPDATE:
I am struck by a couple of things. One is how the mother watches her two daughters play dolls and must have them fitted up for all the things that her sick son must have (oxygen, feeding tubes) and talk about their "very sick children." I am put in mind that this is like the flip side of The Power of the Powerless which is the first book I ever read that made me truly understand that life in itself is a precious thing no matter your abilities. That is told from a brother's point of view. Here we have the mother's.
Also, I think about the fact is that this couple has made just about every mistake one could imagine in their relationship ... had their first child before marriage, don't talk to each other about their true feelings, etc. You don't expect to read that in a book like this ... but you do begin to have a glimmer of how their dedication to their son helped ... as the title says ... "change everything."
So far, straight forward but good.
Note: too many review copies, some with specific deadlines for the review, have pushed this to the stack on the nightstand instead of the "active reading" part. Moving it to "to read" for a few days for that reason.
February 12, 2011
The Kellys are fairly honest in sharing their experiences and there is no doubt that this little boy was the light of their world.
Jill devoted 8 years to caring for her son, which is commendable, but she virtually ignored her husband during that time. I wish the book had more of Jim in it and less of Jill. He shares a few things, but this would be a richer, fuller memoir if we knew more about his perspective and experiences during Hunter's life. The book presumes to be about Hunter, but really it's all about Jill and how she managed everything.
I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't come away very inspired and I ended up skimming through a lot of it. Having a child who suffers from a debilitating, terminal illness is a strain on any life and marriage. In a marriage where the couple doesn't know how to communicate, situations like this one can destroy it. Finding God, however, is what finally sustained and helped Jill and Jim. That they are still together is a testament to the ability to forgive and serious marital counseling.
I commend them for using their experience and celebrity to help families dealing with this disease and to raise awareness and research funding for it.
Jill devoted 8 years to caring for her son, which is commendable, but she virtually ignored her husband during that time. I wish the book had more of Jim in it and less of Jill. He shares a few things, but this would be a richer, fuller memoir if we knew more about his perspective and experiences during Hunter's life. The book presumes to be about Hunter, but really it's all about Jill and how she managed everything.
I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't come away very inspired and I ended up skimming through a lot of it. Having a child who suffers from a debilitating, terminal illness is a strain on any life and marriage. In a marriage where the couple doesn't know how to communicate, situations like this one can destroy it. Finding God, however, is what finally sustained and helped Jill and Jim. That they are still together is a testament to the ability to forgive and serious marital counseling.
I commend them for using their experience and celebrity to help families dealing with this disease and to raise awareness and research funding for it.
November 22, 2011
I had never heard of Jim Kelly but I was browsing through the library one day and decided to check it out. What a great idea by me. I absolutely loved this book. It was sad, yes but it was also heart-wrenching, inspiring, and uplifting. The amount of love the whole family had for this little boy was amazing, he had truly touched so many lives without uttering one word. The whole situation between Jim and Jill wasn't too appealing as I was more interested in Hunter's story but it was a great book nonetheless.
Read
April 23, 2012I moved to Buffalo in 2010, and I love it here. Since being in Buffalo/Niagara, I've wanted to learn what it is that makes this gracious, hearty group of people tick... People love and support their hometown people and The Kelly family is one of the driving forces in this area. Their outshowing of faith and willingness to step out and share their pain and let us see into their private hurt and their joy of Hunter's sweet life. I was thrilled to get to see them at church at The Chapel at Crosspointe. I couldn't wait to read this book after hearing their testimony.... Heart-wrenching story.
October 22, 2013
This definitely was a heartfelt story. From growing up in Rochester and my dad being a huge bills fan during Jim Kelly's reign, these were the main reasons I read this book. No mother or father should ever have to go through the heartbreak of losing a child and Jim and Jill dealt with much more than that. I liked the book because it obviously was a true story and easy to connect with the Kelly family. I didn't like the book toward the middle/end because Jill talks a lot about God and the Bible. I have absolutely nothing against anyone who lives that way, it just was a little much for me.
November 10, 2010
I won this in a First Reads Giveaway.
While heart-tugging this book was not the cryfest I was expecting.
The author was so genuine in sharing the struggles of this family and the amazing miracle God performed in their lives through their precious son, Hunter. It was amazing to read of so many of Hunter's milestones that others thought he would never achieve.
I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with a terminally ill child, a broken marriage, or a loss of faith.
While heart-tugging this book was not the cryfest I was expecting.
The author was so genuine in sharing the struggles of this family and the amazing miracle God performed in their lives through their precious son, Hunter. It was amazing to read of so many of Hunter's milestones that others thought he would never achieve.
I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with a terminally ill child, a broken marriage, or a loss of faith.
October 2, 2010
This was a very complex book. Of course, sad, as a family watched their son/brother die and could do nothing to help. Inspiring as they struggled to accept, and grow thru tragedy. At times I was bothered that the author painted herslef as a martyr and could not forgive her husband for handling things and grieving differently than she did. But they were both willing to admit that they were not perfect and fight to save their marriage.
August 31, 2010
I highly recommend this book - not just because I am a Bills fan and love football, but because I love Jesus - Jim and Jill share about His work in their lives over the last 15 years, and it is remarkable. Without a Word is a beautiful tribute also to their dear son Hunter James. I look forward to meeting him someday in Heaven.
August 28, 2011
I liked the second half of this book better than the first part. Prior to chapter 13 I was prepared to give this book a 2-3 star-rating, but Jill's description of Hunter's last few months and his death were very moving. The most emotional part of the book, for me, was in the aftermath of Hunter's death, her struggle with depression, her failing marriage, and how she battled back.
January 31, 2011
Heart-wrenching but inspiritional memior about a mother and a wife who has to face the certain death of her child and her crumbling marriage. The only thing that can pull her through is her faith and through that faith she is given the amazing stamina to care for her sick son and two healthy daughters and eventually forgive and learn to love her husband again. A miraculous story!
January 5, 2012
I was interested in reading about the Kelly family but this book seemed to be very repetitive and a bit fluffy. I think Jill said the same things throughout the book without really substantiating any of it. Jim and I had problems . . . Hunter was a wonderful boy . . . It could have been about half the pages.
January 25, 2016
If you are a Buffaloian it is hard not to connect to this heartfelt story. Being well aware of Hunter Kelly I found the intimate story of his life and impact touching and engaging. I so admire Jill Kelly for her dedication to her son in life and continuing now. This book will certainly help you count your blessings. God Bless Hunter and his wonderful family.
September 14, 2010
Hunter, what amazing little boy he must have been. The book was sad, but uplifting at the same time. Jill took you on the journey of caring for a sick child ,but she also showed you what knowing God can mean to each one of us.
February 13, 2011
I read this book after learning of a family who faced a similar medical situation as the Kelly family. It's very eye opening and insightful regarding a family with a terminally ill child. It wasn't the smoothest read and I skimmed through some of her "Journals."
October 19, 2016
My understanding of the Kelly family turned to admiration as I saw how hard they fought to keep Hunter alive and happy...Yes, it does seem as if God sent Hunter to the Kellys to transform them as a family.
Want to read
August 20, 2010Just found out that I won this book through First Reads, I am very excited and can't wait to read and review this book.
October 22, 2010
I'm really surprised by the low ratings people gave this. I didn't find anything not to like!
September 18, 2010
As a Christian, this ARC book just kept striking me the wrong way on so many levels that I finally gave up at chapter 6.
Read
September 21, 2010Everyone should read this book! It is outstanding! There is a lesion for everyone!
October 25, 2010
I did enjoy this book. I did think it was very inspiring. I liked how they focused mainly on their son's disease. I did not need to know about their struggling marriage. I would recommend this book.
November 3, 2010
This is a life changing book. A Must Read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews