lonely vs alone

I had no friends, but did not feel alone..
I had no family, but was not depressed..
I had seen bad things, but was not discouraged..

They brought light into my life
They provided company
They made me feel needed

Now I am the one in need
They were taken away from me
and now I know what could have been

I had felt lonely, but not alone
I had been sad, but not depressed
I had been broken, but was not destroyed

Now I know. I have nothing

In response to "uncle Ernest"