A Promise Kept

Not often does my husband show emotion, but the tender love exhibited in this story really touched him to tears. Usually, it’s the wife who cares for the husband. It’s a rare man who quits his job to care for his wife. I have read it 3 times and shared it with a friend struggling to respond patiently and gently with their spouse. It changed their attitude. I thank God for McQuilkin’s true ly loving example.

For a young single it's easy to fantasize about the joys of having a lifelong love - often at the neglect of counting the true cost of actually having one. This small but powerful book shows that cost, and how one man remained faithful to his wife despite it. Robertson, a distinguished man high in Christian academic circles, is shocked when his vivacious wife Muriel is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Gradually, she begins to succumb to its ravages and is forced to abandon her popular radio show and speaking engagements. As the disease takes its toll on Muriel, Robertson devotes more and more time to watching over her. He leaves his work and other pursuits to care for her because without his presence, she becomes fearful and agitated. Only with him near is she happy and content. Eventually she becomes totally dependent upon him, unable to perform rudimentary tasks or even converse.But the heart of the story is that he remains with her gratefully, and with a loving attitude. He is not an angry or resentful caretaker. Of course, he is not thrilled to watch his lovely, intelligent wife slide into helpless dementia. But he sees his caretaking as a holy task, one entrusted to him by God. Indeed, she "took care" of him for decades, so he finds it a priviledge to return the favor. However, he is careful to state that his is not the "ideal" way to care for a severely ailing loved one. But I would say that his attitude and actions are examples for anyone, regardless of whatever caretaking path is chosen. Elisabeth Elliot once wrote that marriage is the abandonment of self. Robertson lovingly exemplifies that principle in the midst of a heart-breaking situation - all for the glory of God. Highly recommended.

My death and dying stage - the cover compelled me! And in this case, you CAN judge this book by its cover (center: an image of a woman smiling from under a large brimmed straw hat, circa 1940s, with a shadowy image of a solitary man walking away in the lower left corner)Robertson McQuilkin was a college professor at a renowned seminary when his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. She had always been the love of his life, and he struggled with the choices that come at the end -This book is strengthening, uplifting, and encouraging - love is a commitment. This man gives up everything to help his bride, and gains it all back tenfold, through blessings from God. it details the anguish he feels and the deep sad love that carries him through every day.I saw my grandfather in this all over the place, married 57+ years to my grandmother, and visiting her every day at the nursing home. He loves her. He wishes he could do and be more, but feels helpless.Such a love! It's FAR BETTER THAN THE TITANIC!!Wonderful Wedding Gift Material!!

it will renew your love in marriage, redefine the word "love" in ways that touch the core of you, a must book for lovers, anniv, weddings, widows, those who are suffering. more than principles, this book is a life msg....that reaches a life! buy it... a must!

This is an absolutely beautiful love story. An earlier version first appeared in Christianity Today magazine in 1990 and two years after that in a small booklet form. For years now my wife and I have given the booklet as a wedding gift to young couples. One young bride told me that her husband read it as they were sitting in a crowded plane flying to California, and he broke down as he read it. He was weeping for the right reasons. American young people today have watched thousands of "love" stories in movies and TV, almost all teaching the opposite of what love in marriage should be like. What kind of man do you want to marry your daughter? One like the latest hollywood movie star, or one like Robertson McQuilkin? McQuilkin is a distinguished author, professor, and statesman who has influenced thousands of students. But in giving up his career to care for his senile wife he has done more to influence young people today, to be a role model for them as to what love in marriage is all about, than all his books, lectures, and chapel talks combined. It is sad to realize that there is no way that Hollywood will ever make a movie of this story.

Every married couple who wants to really know the meaning of the vow "for better or for worse" must read this book. It shows the role of character in unconditional love as no book I've seen.