As a man the same age as Maurice, you've captured so well the feelings of one who has lost a partner. It does feel so much that you are a 'watcher', that you are living your life through watching others, yet not feeling connected. Slowly you started feeling again, hoping that one day you will feel like taking part again. As a more mature person it's difficult to summon the optimism of youth and embrace life again, not sure if you'll ever feel the joy of new love again, but hoping, just maybe.... Thanks Gary