i have discovered that loneliness will not kill me!
plus, you actually are not alone. you have the company of your children, your mother, your aunt and all of us here.
fourmaggie, i'm sure you know the drill. if you want more friends, put yourself out there a bit. perhaps your aunt or mother could babysit one night while you go and explore some new thing you've always wanted to do? tennis, swimming, water color painting class, sewing class, part time job, whatever it is that you are interested in pursuing for your life.
you are half way there. you have identified a very valid need of yours: more friends. you have a choice to create a plan of action and go find those new friends!