In Sickness and in Health: A Husband’s Story of Caring for a Mentally Ill Wife

by Stephen Zehr

Steve Zehr felt life couldn't get any better when, at age twenty-five, he married a beautiful redheaded actress and model. As part of their marriage vows May 28, 1982, he and Susan promised to stay together in sickness and in health. Of course, they meant those words, but the author never imagined that promise would be tested so fully. Several years into their marriage, it became clear that Susan was suffering from psychological problems. Making matters worse, she was afflicted during a time when admitting you suffered from mental illness was a stigma. Over the next many years, the author would find himself stretched to the limit as a father, husband, and even as a believer in God. At times, the burden simply seemed more than he could handle. But God demonstrated His incredible faithfulness and strength to the author over and over, day after day, month after month, year after year. This is one man's story of how he believes God directed, sustained, strengthened, and supplied him with what he needed to care for his wife-as well as the toll it took on them both.

108 pages, Paperback

Published December 28, 2020

Reviews

[Chris Moates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book five stars because Stephen Zehr pours out his heart as he describes his journey from dating through 35 years of marriage to his wife's death and afterwards. He details what on the surface should have been a great marriage with the normal ups and downs to the heart wrenching reality of being married to someone with several psychiatric issues with the occasional good times but way too many difficult times. He shows his love for her throughout, shows that he is human and has fallen short, but knows that he survived with God's grace and the love of those around him. And yes, the book isn't written really well, but he even admits that he isn't really a writer but needed to get his story out, and I'm glad he did.