Actor Steve Guttenberg: Caring for My Aging Father Was the Honor of My Life. Here’s What I Learned—and What I Want Everyone to Know

A few years ago, my Father, Stanley Gutenberg, got the news that he had kidney disease. When one member of a family has a challenge, everyone has it. 

When my Father needed us most, we stepped into the role of caregivers, drawn together by our shared love for him. Each day presented its own set of challenges, but the purpose we found in caring for him was unwavering. From ensuring his comfort and well-being to sitting by his side during difficult moments, our commitment was rooted in a deep respect and gratitude for the life he had given us. He is our Hero. 

The experience was transformative. Caregiving has a way of reshaping priorities, allowing us to focus on what truly matters. The simple moments spent with my Father, like sharing stories or holding his hand, became treasured memories. Despite caregiving's physical and emotional demands, these quiet, intimate times reminded us of the strength of family bonds. We learned that caregiving is about being fully present, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength within ourselves we didn't know we had.

Caregiving also brought my family closer together. We supported one another through each day, celebrating small victories and comforting one another at every moment. This shared experience became a testament to the resilience of love, teaching us lessons in patience, empathy, and self-sacrifice. Looking back, it's clear that the purpose we found in caregiving wasn't just about helping my Father; it was about honoring the love that had always bound us as a family.

Because, ultimately, caregiving is an act of profound love, devotion, and selflessness. During this National Caregiving Month, my family and I recognize the countless caregivers who dedicate themselves to their loved ones with unwavering dedication. Their work is invaluable, and their sacrifices are reminders that, ultimately, caregiving is a powerful affirmation of love and family unity. For those who, like us, have found meaning and purpose in caregiving, may this month serve as a reminder of their vital role in the lives of those they care for.

Caregiving proved to be more than a responsibility for my family and me. It was an expression of love and a source of meaningful purpose.

We love you, Dad. 

Steve Guttenberg is a beloved Hollywood actor, known for his role in many films including Diner, Police Academy, Three Men and a Baby, and television shows including Ballers and Veronica Mars. He wrote and is currently starring in the play, Tales from the Guttenberg Bible, telling stories from his career in Hollywood. His previous books include the memoir The Guttenberg Bible and the children’s book The Kids from D.I.S.C.O.