Customer Reviews

A Promise Kept

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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.

This book shows the true meaning of love and commitment. Marriage is about taking care of your spouse--no matter what the circumstances. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickeness and in health. What a beautiful place this would be if all our marriages reflected the love that this man has for his wife.

A Promise Kept is a small gem of a book. It is a bittersweet love story about a husband's love for and willingness to care for his sick wife. Robertson McQuilkin's love and courage give insight to the vow "in sickness and in health." A Promise Kept is a refreshing read.

A beautiful story of marital faithfulness and love in an age where there is precious little of the same. Only in Jesus can be found this quality of unconditional love. I also recommend McQuilkin's Life in the Spirit book and workbook. He truly knows how to live a life filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit -- and can teach us how, too!

A sweet, true story of the authors enduring love and care for his wife while she went through the various stages of Alzheimer's.
An encouraging story for anyone who knows or cares for someone with this mind ravaging disease.

This is a wonderful testimony to the love and caregiving that the author experienced while administering to his wife.A book that all caregivers can relate to--probably should be a read by the caregiver and not the afflicted. Unfortunately the quality of the binding is not at the same level as it's contents.Both volumes I purchased came apart at the seams and I had to reglue many of the pages.