Love and Commitment: The Inspiring Story of Gary Saling
An elderly man named Gary Saling from Utah found himself working as a grocery bagger at Smith’s Market in St. George due to mounting medical bills and a promise he made to his late wife, Carol. Carol passed away after battling two forms of dementia, and Gary kept his promise to care for her at home, leading to significant financial strain. Despite being a successful architect in the past, Gary chose the grocery bagging job for its simplicity and social aspect, as well as to make ends meet.
Gary and Carol met in 1990 and quickly fell in love, eventually getting married and moving to Montana. Gary's dedication to his wife and their life together was evident in his commitment to caring for her until her last breath. The couple's love story touched the hearts of many, including Duana Johnson, who started a fundraiser to help Gary retire. The fundraiser gained momentum after a news report, and donations poured in, allowing Gary to see a retirement on the horizon by the end of June.
The outpouring of support and generosity from the community has left Gary feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. He humbly rejects labels like hero or saint, attributing his actions to the vows he took to care for Carol in sickness and in health. The fundraiser's progress has been shared on a local Facebook page, showcasing the compassion and love that people have shown towards Gary and his late wife. Gary's story serves as a reminder of the power of love and commitment in the face of adversity.