I send my children texts every so often- just to ask how they and their families are - sometimes I may need their help with phones or the internet/computer etc - or medical problems ? (2 are doctors) might ring them now and again. 2 of them live in London and the other in Wiltshire - we are in Hertfordshire. We try to see them every few weeks I suppose - but not always possible- they are all very busy - but so are we- U3A is a good organisation to belong to - lots of interest groups - self generated- eg book clubs, play reading, family history, crafts, walking, singing, art appreciation, theatre visits, local history - there should be one in your area, this2willpass- maybe think about joining a class of some sort - Pilates, aerobics, Zumba, or take up golf? I was lucky to have been working full time when my children scarpered so didn’t really notice the gap left behind 2 of them bounced back unintentionally but soon went off again - then my father decided to move in when my mother died - so the house still seemed full. Do try to find lots to interest you - ask friends to meet for lunch, or host a Macmillan tea and cake party - maybe volunteer in a charity shop or a food bank - you will start to feel better when you fill your own time - lots of luck - let us know how you get on ??