My partner and I were together for 40 years. We met in high school if you can believe it. He has been in my life far longer than he was not in it. We really complemented each other. Everyone used to comment how well we fit together. "You are such a lovely couple" they would say.

Since he died, sometimes I wake up and I can't believe this is my life now. We had made so many plans together that just won't be realized.

It has been a big challenge to put new plans in place since he died. I am scared to in a way because I think these new plans might also not happen and I am not sure if I can take any more disappointment.

On the other hand, I also realize that I need to make plans or I will just end up sitting around the house and wallowing in misery. Once I get out there and follow through on a plan, it isn’t quite as bad as I thought it might be.

My daughter Rebecca died when she was only 21. Life will never be the same again. It is so devastating each time I think about not hearing her voice again. I never imagined my life could change so much, so quickly.

I know my sadness is affecting our family. When I start feeling like this will never get better, I try telling myself that this deep sadness is temporary. While it is the darkest chapter in my life, I'm not going to let it be the rest of the book - for me or my family.

From time to time I have struggled with depression. It runs in my family. When I was in my twenties, I had a rough few years. My time in university was not easy for several reasons. But I came out of it with the help of friends. But this time, since my wife died, it feels different.

I had never had thoughts of suicide before. They sometimes occurred when I was nervous and I started to feel like I was losing control.

After wrestling with these thoughts for a few days, I decided that I didn't want my family to have to deal with my death on top of my wife's. In order to protect my family, as well as myself, I sought out my family doctor.