Gary Ablett and his wife Jordan have opened their lives off the pitch this year as the Geelong superstar nears the end of his AFL career
Knowing that his next game could now be his last, Ablett said he was physically able to play but mentally prepared for life after football.
The couple’s young son Levi was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative disease earlier this year, while Jordan’s mother died in August
Ablett, Jordan and Levi have been in Queensland hubs since the start of September, attending major football matches in the state
« Levi loved the warmer weather here, being out in the wild, » Ablett told News Corp ahead of Geelong’s clash with Collingwood on Saturday
« He’s doing great, he’s always smiling and is a determined little boy and we’re just enjoying our time together
« It was a really big decision to make as to whether we came here (in the hub for the final) I’ve had a lot in my life »
Her positive update came after Jordan reflected on their year in an Instagram post Thursday night
Admitting that she couldn’t find the opportunity « or sometimes the strength » to open up, Jordan said she was grateful for the time spent with family and Levi’s diagnosis providing her with a way forward.
“As we can all agree, this year has been so difficult for all of us in many unique ways,” she wrote
« Personally, for me watching my mom go through her final months at home under the restrictions of Stage 3, then 4 Covid restrictions, preventing her from experiencing these ‘last’ with those she loved was really sad
« Receiving a diagnosis for our son – who in our eyes is still perfect in every way – but knowing that every day will present its challenges and the future is so blurry that we just cannot believe. prepare (but again, who can?)
« So going on and losing mom (my biggest encouragement) is something that will always hurt Words just can’t express how I feel every day as I navigate these unique and difficult circumstances But in it all , I find there is still so much to be thankful for
“While I am in no way grateful to Covid itself, I am thankful that, because Covid made us all slow down and focus on the essentials, we were able to take care of mom to the House; spend every day with her and together create special memories for life
« I’m also thankful that she didn’t a) catch the virus or b) go to the hospital to die alone Instead, she was surrounded by her 3 daughters holding hands with him and him saying we loved her so much
« I am so grateful that Levi was finally diagnosed which would then propel him in the right direction to begin the appropriate treatment that we pray and hope he will change his prognosis
« I am grateful that Levi was surrounded by amazing healthcare professionals fully equipped to take care of him »
Jordan said the couple were « overwhelmed » by public and private messages received from families in similar situations
« Mothering Levi has given me a really good insight into families who are in the same situation as their own children, » she wrote
« I know firsthand how difficult it is and what a completely different, albeit still so rewarding, parenting experience it is
« How privileged we are to be entrusted with such a precious responsibility, to take care of these little humans who need us and whom we love so deeply and fiercely »
Many followers and friends – including the wives of current and former Ablett teammates, other AFL partners and Olympian Sally Pearson – have left supporting comments
Gary Ablett Jr, Geelong Football Club, Australian Football League, Collingwood Football Club, Ablett family
World News – UA – “Always smiling”: Gary and Jordan Ablett reflect on challenges « difficult » family
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
