AFL great Gary Ablett Jr’s wife, Jordan, has shared a heartwrenching update about their son, Levi, on Instagram.
Jordan said Levi, who suffers from a degenerative illness affecting his respiratory system, will not be joining children his age in starting school.
Levi has a condition that makes him vulnerable to food or drink entering his lungs, and is continuing to receive treatment.
Watch the 2023 AFLW finals series LIVE & ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >
Jordan said Levi has never spoken and, according to doctors, possibly never will.
“This week I’ve seen so many of our friends share that their children (same age as Levi) are off to prep-transition, which is a super exciting time for them and is without a doubt a milestone that should be celebrated! But to be honest, although I’m really happy for them, my heart feels heavy,” she wrote.
“Truthfully, for me, it’s been a battle of the mind this week. I feel like I’ve been constantly jumping between two very different perspectives. Some thoughts have been quite negative with a ‘why us?’ attitude, whereas others have been positive and hopeful. I’d like to think that the latter ones are the most dominant but it does take some serious effort.
“I’ve had to really make up my mind that I’ll try and think on purpose, which just in itself is challenging. Although our little man won’t have a ‘first day at school’ moment nor any of all the other school days that follow, that’s OK!”
Jordan disabled comments on the post to focus on providing encouragement for those needing a change of perspective.
Despite Levi missing typical school experiences, she emphasised the need to let go of presumed expectations and embrace what’s meant to be.
“One of the lessons that I’ve learnt over the past couple of years is that I need to let go of the things that were never promised to me but only presumed by me. Letting go of what I thought would be and embracing what’s meant to be,” she said.
“Nothing in this world is guaranteed! If something good happens in our lives (even the smallest and most ‘normal’ thing) it’s a blessing, not a promise fulfilled. This is definitely not a lesson I’ve mastered and to be honest, it feels like I’m forever reminding myself of it.
“I posted this because I believe that if we let it (which is not easy!) there can be purpose in our pain and when we weather any kind of storm in our lives, we’re in a better position to support and offer advice to others going through the same things.
“Hopefully if there’s someone who’s heart feels heavy today, they will read this and feel a little lighter and better about letting go of what was never meant for them and a little more hopeful about embracing what is!
“My intention isn’t to throw a pity party and to post this for feedback. It’s not about that! If however you want to reach out to share your own story or if you have questions, you absolutely can.”
In an emotional interview last year, Jordan revealed it‘s unlikely Levi will ever learn to talk, making it difficult for her as a mother.
The couple also has a daughter, Grace, born in 2021, and they announced in January that they are expecting their third child.
Gary Ablett Jr, a former AFL star for Geelong and Gold Coast, retired in 2020 after a successful career.
Speaking on a special charity edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? last year, he opened up about Levi’s condition.
“He is a beautiful boy with a pretty serious condition,” Ablett said at the time.
“We are seeing some improvement, and Levi is having physiotherapy each day.
“The great thing about Levi is that he is a very determined boy and always happy. He brings so much joy to our lives.”
In 2021, Jordan told The Significant Others podcast about the moment Levi was diagnosed and the shattering realisation that his life was at risk.
“I just remember sitting with Gaz in that meeting and when they said it I just remember absolutely breaking down,” she said.
“It’s one thing to receive a diagnosis which just confirms that Levi has a rare and degenerative disease. However, it’s another thing to understand that it is life threatening and that’s like a whole other ball game and a whole other situation in itself because that stuff you just can’t prepare for.
“There is a very short life expectancy which is why I constantly say to people when they ask about Levi that we are literally just taking it day by day because we have no idea what the future holds.”
Discussion about this post