Two experiences made this work deeply personal. Through NextVillage (a San Francisco non-profit helping seniors age in place), I spend time each week helping seniors in San Francisco with tasks most people take for granted. Fixing computer problems, organizing medications, even taking out trash. I've seen how overwhelming life becomes when you're managing everything alone.

My father's Parkinson's diagnosis brought this reality even closer. I talk with my mom daily, watching her coordinate his care while handling decisions that used to be shared. The weight she carries makes me acutely aware of how much more difficult this journey becomes when you're facing it without a partner.

Working with widows allows me to use my expertise where it matters most. There's something profound about helping someone realize they're going to be financially secure, that they can keep their home, that their future is protected. It's similar to what my father experienced as a veterinarian - the satisfaction of solving problems that genuinely improve someone's life.