Medical Bills and Love: The Architect Who Bagged Groceries to Care for His Wife

Gary Saling, once a celebrated architect designing multimillion-dollar mansions for elite clients, now spends his days bagging groceries at Smith's Market in St. George, Utah. The reason? A heart-wrenching mix of soaring medical bills and a solemn promise to his late wife that drained his savings and reshaped his retirement plans.

A Promise That Cost a Fortune

Gary's wife, Carol, battled two forms of dementia, including the rare and aggressive progressive supranuclear palsy, for over three years. During that time, Gary kept a vow he made not just to Carol but also to her family: no nursing home for her. Instead, he cared for her at home until her passing in mid-2020.

That devotion came at a steep price—$80,000 in medical and at-home care bills, with about half of that for home care alone. Gary paid every penny himself, wiping out his retirement fund and forcing him back into the workforce at age 80.

"I'm not a hero or a saint," Gary told reporters. "I just kept my vows—through sickness and health." And so, after decades of designing dream homes, he returned to a job he once held as a teenager: grocery bagger.

From Blueprints to Bagging Groceries

Gary's architectural career was no small feat. He worked for a firm that made Architectural Digest's top 100 list four times and built homes for notable clients such as Boyd Jefferies, founder of Jefferies Investment Group in Laguna Beach.

But after Carol's death, Gary sought a low-stress job that didn't demand the mental gymnastics of architecture. Bagging groceries fit the bill, offering a chance to stay active, meet people, and keep his mind off the past.

That decision sparked curiosity among customers, including Duana Johnson, who was moved by Gary's story and launched a fundraiser to help him retire comfortably. The campaign gained momentum after a local news report, raising nearly $40,000 in just days—enough for Gary to consider hanging up his apron by the end of June.

Love That Lasts a Lifetime

Gary and Carol's love story began in 1990 with a chance encounter at a park bench. Both single parents from previous marriages, they clicked instantly and married within a year, eventually moving from California to Montana.

Their nearly 30 years together were marked by deep affection and shared faith. "Carol was very faithful, she loved the Lord," said Johnson, the fundraiser organizer. "I believe her prayers for Gary are being answered."

The Bigger Picture: Medical Debt and Aging Americans

Gary's story highlights a harsh reality for many seniors in the U.S. Medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy, with millions struggling to cover costs for chronic illnesses and long-term care. According to a 2023 Kaiser Family Foundation report, nearly 30% of adults aged 65 and older face difficulties paying medical bills, often forcing them to work past retirement age.

Long-term care, especially at-home care for dementia patients, can cost upwards of $50,000 annually, depending on location and care intensity. Many families face tough choices between quality care and financial stability.

A Community Rallies

The outpouring of support for Gary shows that compassion still thrives despite the cynicism often seen in headlines. His story resonates because it's about love, sacrifice, and the unexpected twists life throws at us.

Gary remains humble, insisting he's "just a guy who kept his promise." But to many, he's a symbol of dedication and resilience—a reminder that sometimes the greatest architecture is the life we build through our actions