The first thing caregiver Shirley Shultz shared — almost laughing over the phone — is how often it still surprises her. She and her husband start talking, and somehow land in the same thought at the same time.
A love story
“He’ll look at me and say, ‘Get out of my head,’” Shirley mused. “We finish each other’s sentences.”
After nearly 40 years of marriage, it no longer feels unusual to her. Just one of those quiet signs that their lives had long since woven into one another.
Shirley is 78 and her husband, Bob, a World War II Marine Corps veteran, is 104 years old.
Their days are structured. She lays out his “uniform” for the day and prepares his meals, making sure everything is just right. She keeps track of medications, organizes appointments and ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Medical visits, paperwork, follow-ups—she manages it all with a quiet efficiency that comes from practice, not obligation. It’s simply what love looks like now as wife, caregiver and best friend.
Bob still takes pride in doing things for himself. He remains remarkably healthy, moving through his days with intention thanks to support from VA doctors and Caregiver Support Program.
St. Louis VA Social Worker Mitzi Hedgecock connected Shirley to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, linking her to a network of support she didn’t realize existed. She found guidance, resources and other people who understand the reality of showing up day after day.
Honor Flight trip turns to tribute
Honor Flight trip turns to tribute
