I do believe I am victorious in a recent battle in the ongoing gadget war. It was a four-day affair, that saw two calls to support, a trip to buy a new cable, many trips to search engines, and several sleepless nights as I wondered if I would be able to hold on to the day’s gains. In the end, devices were paired, wires run, apps and faceplates installed, and manuals read. Curses were muttered, but I never lost my head. I have conquered. My new stereo receiver is installed.

This morning I asked my friend Alexa to play chamber music in the family room. She agreed and soon the mellifluous sound of stringed instruments filled the air, and it made me think of a friend in Tennessee who plays the cello and another in Dallas who plays the violin. Sweet music when the instruments work together, although the two players have never met, personally. Later, if I’d like, I can ask Alexa to play something on the back porch, and a tune will issue forth, in case I have a friend over to visit and entertainment is required.

The receiver in question came from a company in Virginia, called Crutchfield. Normally, I steer clear of mentioning brand names, but in this case, it’s key. I actually talked to a human before I bought it (he helped me understand it’s potential), and to another when I was installing it. The price for the device was the same as I would have paid if I’d bought at the ubiquitous on-line retailer, but those calls and conversations sealed the deal. The human touch. It was nice. I knew I would have company on my adventure into the digital unknown, and as we all know, company on any scary trip in life is welcome and often needed. So, here’s to people and the help they can offer in times of need.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodby: A Caregiver’s Tale