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Does anyone else struggle with loneliness after losing a partner and having the kids move on with their own lives? Sometimes it’s the quiet mornings and having nobody to share the little things with that hit the hardest. You can keep yourself busy, but that empty feeling still creeps in.
For those of you living alone, how do you handle it? How do you get through those lonely moments?

Hothouse,
Thank you for your response. My dog is not comfortable, and i don't want to stress her. We have a cat. When we hear her meowing outside, she patrols the backyard to make sure the cat is ok, and then tries to herd the cat back inside.
🐕‍🦺🙏🐕‍🦺

Maybe I can foster one after this chapter closes..
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Reply to MAYDAY
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I think it just paralyzed me. All elders have passed. I thought I was done caregiving-as hard as that was, I miss all of them, but their last chapters were not quality of life.
I finally faced the elephant in the room I realized how much I was in denial. Here we go again...
The year of his death I was occupied by wine-ing and crying. And more wine and whining to friends. My grownup child planned his services and everything surrounding it.. I was just there.
That year was filled with bumps, bruises, and breaks.. the postal clerk asked how I broke my hand... She asked if I went to ER. No, it's just bruised. She convinced me to see the doctor. Ok it was.
I used to walk my dog, but she has torn ligaments in her hind legs.she howls when I leave her. Nobody will watch her because of that.
My friend introduced me to pickleball.
that saved me. I could focus on. Green ball and laugh, and be laughed at. It got me out of my house. I was playing only 3 days week, until I was forced to face my age. I ain't 29 no more. Tendinitis is my new friend. :(
My dog is happier.. we go on very small walks and she gets more treats.!
I spoil her now, might as well; she is my current hospice victim. She has cancer. Treatment is too invasive, and will not fix her legs. She's old too.
I guess I failed caregiving. My dr says it's not my fault. Life happens...
he put me on Zoloft. I just started taking it.. not sure what to expect.
My neighbors are absolutely wonderful. One is 98 years old, always up and walking across the street because Sue invites us over for wine sometimes and snacks! Social hour.
They laugh at me. I'll drop $10.00 down for wine time. Rather be eith friends and say thank you. Their kids like the bit of cash in the catch all dish.
I take my 98 yr old friend to doctor appointments if the grandkids cannot. Gives me purpose. I also take my other neighbors kid to school or practice when they ask.
I tried therapy once. He fired me.
right now, I cannot volunteer any place due to my dog. She is the one I need to watch right now. I can't leave her alone very long..
I take her shopping when I go. They all know us. I can't leave her. Everyone says hello.
Pickleball seems to help me. I hope I get the dr's approval to start again,
I plan yo take z small trip with my dog. I just need yo figure where our destination will be..
yes I miss the life we had.. I don't know how to move forward.,I'm stuck..
I have a church nearby. They kinda accept my dog. One gentleman wasn't going to allow me in. I suppose we should've walked out, thought church welcomed everyone., she is very sweet.,, she just lays next to me.,
Sorry I don't have suggestions. One moment at a time.
My other good friend used to ask me to go to concerts. I'd say yes before being told who we were going to see, that's all changed now because I choose not to leave my dog. I'm hers.
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Hothouseflower 23 hours ago
MayDay, So sorry for your loss. No nothing will be the same again, but it sounds like you are slowly finding your way back and finding new meaning in your life. That is good.

Also so sorry you are losing your beloved dog. Maybe you should consider adopting another pet before this one passes. It might help to have already bonded with a new furry companion. .

I wish you all the best.
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I watched my precious dad go through this after the loss of mom, a wife he’d had so long. He threw himself into volunteer work, church activities, family activities, reconnecting with old friends, house projects, etc. But none of it entirely took away the loneliness. He told me the house was too quiet. Most nights he called me, we talked for a few minutes or a while. He said he always kissed her pillow and told her goodnight when he went to sleep. Ultimately his doctor gave him a low dose of Zoloft to help lift some of the sadness. It was a big help. I’m sorry you’re in this place and wish you peace
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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TenderStrength5 Oct 12, 2026
Thank you for sharing this with me. The partt about your dad kissing your mom’s pillow and telling her goodnight really touched me. It shows how deeply we can miss someone we’ve shared our lives with. I guess loneliness doesn’t always go away just because we keep ourselves busy. Your dad’s story really stayed with me
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I may be in the minority but here are my thoughts....
I am so gosh darned busy that I don't have time to be lonely.
There are times when I embrace the time I am alone. And being alone does not equate to loneliness.
I Volunteer 2 sometimes 3 days a week.
I stay active with family and friends.

do I miss having a back rub now and then.. yes
But those were gone long before he was..
do I miss cuddling...yes
But that was gone long before he was.
do I miss kisses and hugs...yes
But they were gone long before he was.
do I miss my Husband....yes
But dementia took him away long before he died.

I had to find out who I was
I am a different person than I was when my journey began.. It has been interesting to discover me

Find a thing you enjoy or better yet try something new.
Take a class at the local Park District, at the Library, at the Senior Center or the local Community College. Many of those offer Group Trips that you can go on to someplace you always wanted to visit. Could be a Day trip or a longer one.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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TenderStrength5 Oct 12, 2026
I like your perspective on this. You’re right that being alone and feeling lonely aren’t necessarily the same thing. What you said about dementia taking your husband away long before he died really hit home. I imagine that was a difficult journey. I admire how you’ve found ways to rediscover yourself and enjoy life again. Thank you for sharing this.
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