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 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 been shadowed by uncertainties of its own.
For eight years, Hunter defied all medical odds, and his parents pursued every means to save his life. Meanwhile, Jim and Jill's marriage continued to fail yet was held together 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 the couple'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, How A Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything, by Jill Kelly and foreward by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, transparently shares every moment that silently transformed the hearts of every member of Jill's family and changed their lives forever, moments that may change your heart and life, too. (excerpt back cover).
This book takes you into the personal journals that Jill and Jim kept during those years of Hunter's life and show you a deeper side to the love and trials that challenged the family and marriage of the Kelly's. Even despite the fact that Jim Kelly was still active in the NFL during this time, his faith would be forever changed by the behaviors shown to him by his wife and his mother in law during Hunter's disease.
The part of the book I enjoyed the best was the chapter in dealing with Hunter's death and the grief that Jill writes about. The most haunting revelation is when Jill is given the answer to the question that haunts any parent enduring these time, Why God didn't you heal my child? Jill is finally given the answer by God that if He healed Hunter, it would have made headlines for a year or more and then be forgotten about by everyone. Yet in his death, Hunter's life has changed the lives of those who knew him and that will never be forgotten.
I received this book compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups, for my honest review. I found this book to be very emotional as a mom of kids herself and who at times struggles with my own faith during storms. Jill Kelly's truths reminded me that no matter what happens to us in life, God is still in control. We have to hold on to that. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!
Faith Words and Hachette Book Groups is going to give 3 lucky followers of my blog the change to win this amazing life changing book. Here are your guidelines:
- Winners are restricted to the US and Canada. No PO Box mailing address please. You do not have to be a blogger to win.
- I must have a way of contacting you, so be sure to leave your email address in your comment.
- Some choose to omit the @ sign and the . dot by writing it in "code" like this: you (at) your email (dot)com.
- I'll close the comments September 17th and pick the three winners. I will contact the winners via email to get their mailing information. The winners will have three days to respond. If I do not hear from them within three days, I will select another winner(s)
Please leave me a comment and let me know why you would love to win a copy of this book!
For more information on this book, the authors and how to purchase a copy for yourself, simply click on the title below:
Having a child with a chronic illness brings tremendous stress on those caring for them and I know how it can effect a marriage. I would be interested in reading Hunter's story.
ReplyDeleteDeborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmal[dot]com
This is an amazing story of motivation, steadfastness, determination, courage, love and strength. I'd like to win for the inspiration.
ReplyDeletebgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. Sounds like a very emotional and good book. I would love to read it. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteGod is in control, always. AMEN. I would love to read this and yes I would cry my eyes out but love the story and somehow God is always closer in a moment of pain, no matter whose pain it is.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very touching book. I would like to win this book to share with my mom. We can relate to this book because she has to watch me (her youngest daughter) deal with an incurable disability (not fatal). Perhaps it would off ideas of how to cope.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
This book reminds me of sweet Angel Dawn. I am going to support and prayer for this sweet angel girl during her struggling with brain stem cancer. Hugs Anne
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like a real tear jerker. Please enter me into the drawing, I would like to read it.
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
I would absolutely love to own a copy of this book. It is the type of book which a person can read over and over again for encouragement. I really enjoyed your review. I am very new at reviewing books, and enjoy seeing the style of others writings. This book is truly inspirational. I love seeing how God takes the tragedies in life and turns them into something positive in another aspect. We have such a WONDERFUL God!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
PJ
p.creek54@gmail.com
p.creek54(at)gmail(dot)com
I wasn't sure which way you preferred. I figure my e-mail is out there for all to see on my blog info, so I can't see hiding it here, LOL!
Sounds like wonderful reading.
ReplyDelete