This weekend, a lifelong friend came to visit after more than ten years apart. We shared meals, laughter, stories, and a quiet ride to my final PET scan. It reminded me that presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give. The people who shape our lives aren’t always the ones with the right words. They’re often the ones who simply choose to show up.

The Illusion vs. The Reality of Love Valentine’s Day tells us love is grand gestures and perfect moments. But real love—the kind that...