silver, that's very sad and I know how you feel. Before I retired I had plenty of irons in the fire and suddenly I was on my own. It was only today, at a big meeting of U3A that I realised how much it had done for me in the past year. And as a member of NWR I have also made friends. All this has taken time, but for the first time in ages I did feel part of something. I know it's a bit of a cliché, but part of the answer to your void is to join in - whatever grabs you. Like many other GNetters, I do recommend U3A which has so many interest groups that you are more than likely to find like-minded people as well as something to interest you. If you look for U3A on the internet, you will be able to find one near you. Good luck with re-establishing your identity.
www.U3A.org.uk