Jordan Ablett announces new book on her life, raising son Levi and mourning mother Trudy

Jordan Ablett has announced she is set to release a book, documenting her “life’s highs and lows”.

Jordan and her husband, AFL legend Gary Ablett Jr, are parents to three young children, including five-year-old Levi, who suffers from a rare degenerative disease.

Doctors told the Abletts from an early age that Levi would never learn to speak.

Jordan has occasionally documented Levi’s life but has maintained their privacy, having never shared his exact condition.

She has been working away over the past 12 months to share a lot more in her upcoming book.

“I am so excited to finally share with you all that I have been working hard behind the scenes for almost one year now, writing my very own book,” Ablett said.

“I can’t begin to explain how special this feels for me, and for my family, who have journeyed all of life’s highs and lows with me, feeling every single bump and joy along the way.

“There have been plenty of tears cried while writing this book, both happy and sad tears, but being able to share my story, and hopefully encourage others, has made all ‘the feels’ worth it.

“I hope that by reading my story, parents of children with a disability will feel less alone, more capable, and will, if they don’t already, look at their child through a different lens, seeing them as what they are, a genuine treasure!”

She said there is a long list of people she needs to thank for helping bring it together.

“There will be a better time and place to thank everyone who means so much to me, and who has contributed to bringing this book to life, but I’d like to make mention now of my publishers, HarperCollins Australia, for handling my story with such respect and sensitivity,” Ablett said.

“My now beautiful friend and co-author, Ellen, for your guidance, and who — let’s face it — has been my therapist at times, helping me unpack the ups and downs of life.

“And to Gaz and our families, for the many hours of stepping in and helping with our three precious children, allowing me to lock myself away, and write it all out.

“Last, but certainly not least, to our boy Levi, who brings us so much joy, and to my dearly missed and adored mum... I love you.

“’It’s about finding joy in what you have, even as you mourn what you have lost, and never taking life for granted’.”

Jordan’s mother Trudy passed away with lung cancer in August 2020, just months after the Abletts learned their son Levi was battling his rare disease.

On Mother’s Day earlier this year, Jordan shared a heartbreaking reminder to appreciate mums on all days.

“When your mum is no longer here, you quickly realise how every day is an opportunity to celebrate your mum,” Jordan wrote on Sunday.

“To let her know always, not just on MD, how much you love her, and how you appreciate her love and all of her sacrifices.”

Gary took time away from the AFL midway through the 2020 season to be with his grieving family.

He later played in that year’s grand final loss to Richmond with Geelong — his final AFL game.

Jordan has spoken about her mum a number of times since her passing four years ago, most notably in November 2020 when she, Gary and Levi were on holidays in the Whitsundays.

Accompanied with a photo of Jordan cuddling Levi on the sand was a touching message.

“Mum. I love you,” she wrote in a post.

“The last time I was on this beach was almost seven years ago and it was with my mum and husband. We were enjoying a picnic and spending quality time together.

“Always thinking of you.

“How special it is to now be sitting here with our son making new family memories.”