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.
Without a Word: How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"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!" (Brett and Deanna Farve 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
"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 2010)
About the Author
Jill 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. Hunter's Hope Foundation can be found online at http://www.huntershope.org. Half of all royalties will go to the Hunter's Hope Foundation. Jill is also the author of a full color gift book entitled, Prayers for Those Who Grieve.
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More About the Author
Jill Marie Kelly is the wife of retired Buffalo Bills Quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Jill and Jim have three children, Erin 14, Hunter (February 14, 1997 - August 5, 2005), and Camryn 10, and three dogs, a yellow lab - Butterscotch, a black lab - Buddy, and a Teacup Chihuahua - Bella.
A seasoned writer, Jill writes with a tenderness and candor that has served her and her readers well in laying her soul bare on the page. Through deeply personal journal entries, she has written, Prayers for Those Who Grieve and Prayers of Hope for the Brokenhearted, sharing her most intimate struggles through the loss of her son, Hunter, and the many painful experiences that followed along her path of healing.
Her unique journey through life has been forever memorialized in Without a Word, How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything, a memoir of hope and healing that shares the story of her son, Hunter's, incredible impact on their family. The deeply human narrative chronicles the dramatic way God rescued the Kelly family and revealed Himself through the suffering of their son, turning their hearts to the suffering of His Son ─ and ultimately restoring their love.
"Oddly, I have been writing for years...in my journals. Never did I ever think that God would allow my writings to touch people in the way they have," Jill recalls. "I'm humbled and grateful though I will never fully comprehend why God chooses to use broken vessels, like me, to reveal His heart."
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a beautiful story of a young boy, Hunter James Kelly, whose short life brought love, joy, and happiness to his family and friends.
Just a few months after giving birth to Hunter, Jill and Jim Kelly were given some of the most difficult news a parent can imagine: Hunter had a fatal genetic disease. The doctors told his parents that Hunter would probably not live until he was two and--because his disease was so rare--there were no treatments available.
The book is written mostly from the perspective of Hunter's mom, Jill (it also has several thoughts from his father, NFL hall of Fame quarterback, Jim Kelly). Jill courageously shares the joys and struggles of caring for her son. Reading about the way that the family treated and cared for Hunter was humbling and encouraging. Despite never speaking a word, they found ways to communicate with him. Even though he could not eat, breath, or move much on his own, the family was always up for including him on an adventure. His disease made him no less a part of the family and the fact that his life expectancy was short did not stop them from enjoying every moment with him.
When Hunter was little, Jill began seeking God because she knew that Hunter would go to heaven and she wanted to be there with him someday. Jill ended up in a relationship with Jesus that sustained her when nothing else in life could. Her faith made her strong when she felt weak, it gave her hope in moments of despair, and eventually it was Jim's acceptance of Jesus that allowed them to reconcile their marriage which had been strained for years.
I highly recommend this book as it is inspiring and challenging to see how Hunter's suffering led the Kelly family to understand Christ's life and sacrifice (but I would not recommend trying to read it without a box of Kleenex nearby!).
Just a few months after giving birth to Hunter, Jill and Jim Kelly were given some of the most difficult news a parent can imagine: Hunter had a fatal genetic disease. The doctors told his parents that Hunter would probably not live until he was two and--because his disease was so rare--there were no treatments available.
The book is written mostly from the perspective of Hunter's mom, Jill (it also has several thoughts from his father, NFL hall of Fame quarterback, Jim Kelly). Jill courageously shares the joys and struggles of caring for her son. Reading about the way that the family treated and cared for Hunter was humbling and encouraging. Despite never speaking a word, they found ways to communicate with him. Even though he could not eat, breath, or move much on his own, the family was always up for including him on an adventure. His disease made him no less a part of the family and the fact that his life expectancy was short did not stop them from enjoying every moment with him.
When Hunter was little, Jill began seeking God because she knew that Hunter would go to heaven and she wanted to be there with him someday. Jill ended up in a relationship with Jesus that sustained her when nothing else in life could. Her faith made her strong when she felt weak, it gave her hope in moments of despair, and eventually it was Jim's acceptance of Jesus that allowed them to reconcile their marriage which had been strained for years.
I highly recommend this book as it is inspiring and challenging to see how Hunter's suffering led the Kelly family to understand Christ's life and sacrifice (but I would not recommend trying to read it without a box of Kleenex nearby!).
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
When I received this book in the mail, I was drawn to it above other writing projects and book reviews I had ahead of this book. I wasn't sure if it was my Upstate NY connection, I was in college when the Bills dominated the NFL and everyone knew who Jim Kelly was and that he eventually married and that one of his children was very ill.
I didn't know if the draw was because I'm aware of Jill's faith in Christ and that I saw her speak years ago at an event where her story gave me perspective and comfort during a dark period in my life.
Or was the draw simply that it was going to be an amazing story to read.
Perhaps it is all of these things but Without a Word is one I read in one sitting, soaking up the highs and lows Jill Kelly shares regarding her life as a wife and mom. Most of the book is a moving and emotional tribute to the life and impact of their son, Hunter. Hunter passed away at age 8 from Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a fatal gentic disease. As the title suggests, Hunter never uttered a verbal word but even in these years since his passing, his life speaks volumes.
Jill simply does an anointed job bringing the unconditional love lessons packaged in Hunter to life. What she shares is beyond good writing, I could sense that she asked for and received God's help every step of the way. I learned so much about perspective, about Krabbe Leukodystrophy, how terminal illness affects those who love Hunter.
Not only is Jill transparent in all the ups and downs of this journey, but Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly reveals his experiences as well. Buffalo will always think of Jim Kelly as a hero for his football deeds but I'm telling you, a real man showed up in this book. He is very honest and admits sharing what he does goes against what men, especially athletic men are trained to do. Again, reading his words gave me great perspective.
Their daughters also share their thoughts and the foundation of faith and the harsh reality of losing someone you love is all through their words, too. I won't be surprised if these girls one day have an international platform to help others based on their time with Hunter.
This is also a story about marriage--not just a high profile marriage, but a real one. Statistically marriages that lose a child or even have a chronically ill child face high divorce rates. It's amazing what God has done through their marriage and I believe again, a perspective any marriage could draw from.
This book was authentic, full of love, faith, reality, beautiful friendships, confessions, heartbreak and redemption.
It will remain a favorite book I will not soon forget.
( I received this book from Hachette Publishers in return for an honest review)
I didn't know if the draw was because I'm aware of Jill's faith in Christ and that I saw her speak years ago at an event where her story gave me perspective and comfort during a dark period in my life.
Or was the draw simply that it was going to be an amazing story to read.
Perhaps it is all of these things but Without a Word is one I read in one sitting, soaking up the highs and lows Jill Kelly shares regarding her life as a wife and mom. Most of the book is a moving and emotional tribute to the life and impact of their son, Hunter. Hunter passed away at age 8 from Krabbe Leukodystrophy, a fatal gentic disease. As the title suggests, Hunter never uttered a verbal word but even in these years since his passing, his life speaks volumes.
Jill simply does an anointed job bringing the unconditional love lessons packaged in Hunter to life. What she shares is beyond good writing, I could sense that she asked for and received God's help every step of the way. I learned so much about perspective, about Krabbe Leukodystrophy, how terminal illness affects those who love Hunter.
Not only is Jill transparent in all the ups and downs of this journey, but Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly reveals his experiences as well. Buffalo will always think of Jim Kelly as a hero for his football deeds but I'm telling you, a real man showed up in this book. He is very honest and admits sharing what he does goes against what men, especially athletic men are trained to do. Again, reading his words gave me great perspective.
Their daughters also share their thoughts and the foundation of faith and the harsh reality of losing someone you love is all through their words, too. I won't be surprised if these girls one day have an international platform to help others based on their time with Hunter.
This is also a story about marriage--not just a high profile marriage, but a real one. Statistically marriages that lose a child or even have a chronically ill child face high divorce rates. It's amazing what God has done through their marriage and I believe again, a perspective any marriage could draw from.
This book was authentic, full of love, faith, reality, beautiful friendships, confessions, heartbreak and redemption.
It will remain a favorite book I will not soon forget.
( I received this book from Hachette Publishers in return for an honest review)
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Steven
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Living in WNY, Hunter Kelly's story is certainly no secret. It was all over the media for many years so the city of good neighbors certainly felt as though we lived through the Kelly's pain with them. This book will give you insight into what Jill Kelly dealt with and... the family in general. In short, if you thought you knew the story before, her book will give you a behind the scenes like never before.
My heart ached as I read Jill's account of discovering Hunter's diagnosis. It was painful to see how the family each dealt with his passing. In fact I am not ashamed to admit it...I actually cried in a few spots. Just the very thought of spending 1 day in the Kelly family's shoes is exhausting. Through all of the pain and sorrow that Jim, Jill and their girls experienced, we learn that Hunter was nothing short of amazing and special. So special in fact that his presence is the driving force behind the cure for Krabbe Disease.
I admire Jill for opening her soul for the world to see. Through her experience, determination and dedication to Hunters Hope, the world has been forever changed.
My heart ached as I read Jill's account of discovering Hunter's diagnosis. It was painful to see how the family each dealt with his passing. In fact I am not ashamed to admit it...I actually cried in a few spots. Just the very thought of spending 1 day in the Kelly family's shoes is exhausting. Through all of the pain and sorrow that Jim, Jill and their girls experienced, we learn that Hunter was nothing short of amazing and special. So special in fact that his presence is the driving force behind the cure for Krabbe Disease.
I admire Jill for opening her soul for the world to see. Through her experience, determination and dedication to Hunters Hope, the world has been forever changed.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring
I bought this for friends who had experienced a similar loss -- for them to see others who had gone through similar issues and problems, it was a blessing. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Healthy Living
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book
book that tells the struggles of raising a disable child and being married to a pro football player and how God intervined
Published 1 month ago by Ramona Piper
5.0 out of 5 stars
"A Garment of Praise"
This is a book about transformation. Jill Kelly starts out in life as a very nominal Christian. Then she has a very special son named Hunter. Read more
Published 1 month ago by little lady
4.0 out of 5 stars
Without a Word
Jill Kelly's book about her son, Hunter, was very stirring. I read this with particular interest being from the Buffaolo area, and following Jim and Jill's life with Hunter and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Judith A. Elliott
5.0 out of 5 stars
Without a word by Jill Kelly
Jill had such a great love for this little son...she gives such care and nourishing love to this little son. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Patricia A. Sherrick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly Inspirational!
This is an outstanding book. Any couple who's having serious problems in their marriage will benefit from reading this book. Read more
Published 3 months ago by peggysue
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best reads in awhile...
A masterful story of the love shared between a mother and her son. A series of beautifully presented timelines and heartfelt notes that allowed us into core of just who the Kelly... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Katie Bell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hunter's Hope, the story of Jill and Jim Kelly, and their son Hunter
A very well written account of the life of Jill and Jim Kelly's son, Hunter, who struggled with a devastating disease. Read more
Published 4 months ago by roz civello
5.0 out of 5 stars
Without a Word: How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything
What an amazing journey this family had to go through. Being people in the spotlight makes their life so open, but because they were able share this wonderful book with us makes... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Caroline V.
5.0 out of 5 stars
jaycee
i brought this book as i have a disabled child myself plus 2 disabled grandchildren,why did i love this book for lots of resons,one jill tells it as it is ,she really tells her... Read more
Published 8 months ago by jaycee
