I like to think of myself as a problem-solver. Come to me with your job confusion, relationship issues, and everyday overwhelm, and I’ll help you come up with a strategy to fix things.

I suppose it’s somewhat selfish. Finding solutions comes naturally to me, and there’s a gratification that comes with helping someone tangibly.

When my sister was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, I set about trying to fix it. I assured her we’d find a clinical trial or an exotic herb that could cure her. If we needed to, we’d traverse the Brazilian rainforests ourselves and discover a medicinal miracle.

When she came to me in her fear and despair, I tried to fix that, too. I cheer-led. I found people who had beat the dire odds. I made promises I had no right to make, assuring her we’d grow old together.

Then one day, ever the wise older sister, she said something I’ll never forget. “Jess, please don’t try to solve this. I just need you to........

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