I was married to my wife for 25 years. We met at college. We were so in love. Our union was pleasant for the most part. One day, on a whim she expressed a desire to seperate. I made efforts to convince her to attend counselling. She wouldn't listen. I had to give in. We have a son who is in his mid 20s. There aren't very many people i can rely on. I've lost my family. I could've never imagined I'd be deserted by the woman I swore to spend my life with.

It's unimaginable. I still am struggling to come to terms with reality. It's a pain unlike any other. My parents are old. They too are shock beyond words with this development. We've been lamenting our fate. Seperation has brought ignominy to me. People suspect I maltreated her. The truth is that there wasn't a day when I ill- treated her. I'm lonely and hopeless.

I meet my son infrequently because he's busy in his life. Friends refuse to spend time with me because I'm unable to become the effervescent self I once was. Every night I lay on my bed,stare at the ceiling and wonder if death would be easier for me. But then it occurs to me that my parents need me. I haven't smiled for months now. I've become skeletal.