One of the most important things to help us get through this process, is the help and support of a companion. I am fortunate to have a spouse of 47 years. While she was saddened by my diagnosis, she is right there with me, trying to support me, encourage me, and help me in any way she can. She is an angel to me. Some of you might not have anyone you can call on to help you and watch out for you. May I suggest that you approach the leaders of your local mosque, synagogue, or church to see if they might have people who would volunteer to visit with you and help you however they can. Most cities can also direct you to non-governmental volunteer agencies that might be able to help. I also suggest that you pray for God’s help.

This photo was taken in March of 2026. It is a pair of northern harrier hawks, a male and female. They appear to be united in their flight. We need to try to find someone to be that close or united for us, even if it is not a family member. I recognize that not everyone has family that will be there for them, but I highly recommend that you try to find someone who will be around to encourage, support, etc., even if it is not full time.

This photo was taken in November of 2024 in Yellowstone National Park. This mother grizzly and her two cubs clearly acted as a family group and supported in each other as they fed on the bison carcass the mother had pulled out of the pond for her family. The bears might be helping each other with food, but certainly we can at least feed each other with hope, love and support.

This photo was taken in November of 2025 in Zion National Park. These three young desert bighorn sheep may or may not have been a family unit, but they clearly acted in unison and were watching out for each other. We can and should look out for each other. I have found many people over the years who have been willing to help when asked. But sometimes, we have to be humble enough to ask for the help.

A very anxious parent watched over this albatross chick. This photo is from the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, in February 2026.

I presumed this was the chick’s mother or father. It was not very happy with me and glided around me closely enough to give me pause that it might come down on me. A lot of things will “come down” on us as we navigate this disease. However, we can always “look up” for help from many sources.