Love in the Midst of Alzheimer’s

Forty-two years into their marriage, Dr. Robertson McQuilkin and his wife, Muriel, were thriving together. Then, Muriel began forgetting things. She lost her keys. She repeated a story she’d told a few minutes before. Thus, began a harrowing — yet, powerful — story of love that endures even the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. McQuilkin served for 22 years as President of Columbia International University before leaving his position to care for his wife, Muriel, for over a decade. Theirs is a story of amazing loyalty and devotion.

I’m featuring Dr. McQuilkin’s honest and compelling story of dedication in the midst of tragic illness on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. It will inspire you as a couple to keep the vows you’ve made to love “for better or for worse” and to fill you with encouragement and hope if you’re a caregiver.

Muriel passed away in September 2003, five months after Dr. McQuilkin gave the message you’ll hear. In a letter to their friends and supporters, he wrote in part:

“For 55 years, she was flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. Some may think I feel relief from the burden. After all, it was 10 years of total care-giving. But it doesn’t work like that. There’s a bonding with the one who is totally dependent on you that takes love to a deeper level.”

Dr. McQuilkin and Muriel’s marriage reflected biblical self-sacrifice and a commitment that says, “I’m with you. Regardless.”

Tune in for Dr. McQuilkin’s recorded message on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you have a loved one who is struggling, we have caring, Christian counselors who will listen, pray with you, and get you on a path toward healing and hope. They’ll also direct you to additional resources in your area if necessary. Call us, leave your name and number, and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Dr. Robertson McQuilkin’s book A Promise Kept: The Story of an Unconditional Love as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).