After losing my husband last year, life took on a new shape, one I never thought I’d have to navigate alone. Each day since has been a journey, one filled with quiet moments and a persistent ache of missing him. My children, the joys of my life, now live abroad, building their lives in places far from home. They’re thriving, which fills me with pride, but that distance also leaves me feeling more isolated than ever.

As a school teacher, I put on a brave face each morning, stepping into the classroom with a smile, ready to encourage young minds. Teaching has always been my passion, but lately, it feels like I’m pouring from an empty cup. My students bring light into my day, yet I leave school feeling as if something essential is missing. The once-bustling home I returned to has turned into a quiet, almost haunting space, filled with memories of laughter, companionship, and the everyday routines I once shared with my husband.

I try to stay strong, reminding myself that life must go on and that I have so much still to give. Yet, there are days when the loneliness feels overwhelming. I wonder if I’ll ever feel truly fulfilled again or if I’ll continue just going through the motions. Finding joy in the little things—a morning cup of tea, a good book, or a heartfelt conversation with a colleague—has become my way of coping. This chapter may feel solitary, but I know I’m not entirely alone. Somewhere deep inside, I hold onto the strength my husband always saw in me and the love of my children, even from afar. This new life may be challenging, but I’m determined to face it, one step at a time.