~My Story~
As a young man, I always knew I was destined for greatness. Born into a family of hard working parents from St. Francisville, Louisiana I learned the value of “grinding.” I carried that blue-collar work ethic into college and my business career achieving extraordinary success at a young age.
Everything changed on December 9, 1988, my daughter, Jayde Brianna Kelly, was born. Although not immediately apparent, Jayde was severely Autistic. Here, I tell my poignant story of Life with an Autistic child and my story of evolution into purpose.
My story of triumph and failure, accountability and blame, dreaming and stalling yet persistently evolving. It is short the story of blame, shame, denial and fear. The story of “why me Lord” and “will this ever end.”
It is a story in accordance to each of our lives…relatable, powerful, poignant, and rich. It is the story of me as a man and every man’s imperfect pursuit of purpose while staring into the palpable darkness of the demon that challenges us all…deceit-mostly self-deceit…of the very nature of the journey, required, to produce purpose.
It is a powerful reckoning made possible by the power and insistent calling of a father’s Love. It is my story as a father with a servant’s heart willing to do what many won’t or wouldn’t to care for a severely Autistic daughter. Ultimately, this is my story of true Love; a story as old as humanity itself but rarely told from the perspective of a father.
Traditionally, we men are not encouraged to embrace our emotional journey(s) of Life. This truth, with all of it’s transcendent burdens, is magnified a hundredfold amongst African American men, and is suffocating when the issue is mental illness. I magnificently overcame this awful truth by delivering my story using genuine and simply written, candid prose.
So, as you travel with me, I hope you will be empowered to stand strong in the shadow of my awful affliction or whatever your challenge is.
If you are navigating a seemingly overwhelming current, my story is proof and positive assurance that there is purpose in every struggle.
I wish you STRENGTH, ENCOURAGEMENT, and TENACITY as you continue your evolution.
Blessings, peace and purpose to you.
~Russell Kelly~
About the Author
Russell Kelly is a successful businessman in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a former “Big 6” Auditor and Management Consultant.
Russell Kelly lives for making his kids, family and friends happy while inspiring them to elevate their life to a higher level...according to their own standards.
He lives each day knowing his Soul is a POWERFUL existence, knowing it is the divine source of his identity and knowing it is the source of his individuality.
“I should be treated only as good as I treat you, I should only be given as much as I give you, I should only be respected as much as I respect you...this is my creed...what’s yours?”
~Russell Kelly~