Dear Annie: I have lost most of my family and many close friends, and I struggle with depression myself. There are days when the silence in my house feels almost too loud.

Over time, I have learned how to be alone without completely falling apart. I have a pet who has been a lifeline for me. This little creature depends on me, greets me at the door, curls up beside me, and gives me a reason to get up and keep going. That steady love has pulled me through some very dark mornings.

Every day when I wake up, I ask myself, “Do you want this to be a good day or a bad day?” I always choose “good,” even when my heart feels heavy, and I try to act in ways that support that choice.

Recently, my neighbor died from cancer. She tried so hard to stay alive. Watching her fight made me see how precious

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