DEAR DEIDRE: After my husband of 50 years died suddenly of a heart attack, I was a mess.
Although I am no stranger to death - our only son died in an accident at 18 - I simply couldn’t cope. He was my soul mate and I didn’t see the point in carrying on.
I’m 72 and my late husband was 74.
I wrote to you thinking you might give me some hope, some way of not feeling so lonely.
You responded so quickly, which made me feel you cared.
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You reassured me that my feelings were normal and sent me your Bereavement support pack, advising me to contact Sue Ryder (sueryder.org) for counselling.
Rather than tell me to join a social club, which you recognised I wasn’t ready for, you told me to wait until I was stronger.
You recommended I consider volunteering, which would make me feel I was doing something worthwhile, as well as making new friends.
And you kept in touch, checking in on me to see how I was coping.
Although life is still bleak, I am slowly starting to pick myself up. Thank you, Deidre.
DEIDRE SAYS: I’m so glad I was able to help support you in your darkest hour, and hope the future looks brighter.