substitute

I've re-read your post a couple of times and can't help wondering what sort of compliments someone might give you that aren't about what great things you do for them? I mean, the only real experience anyone has of anyone else is what that person gives them. I can't honestly suggest any better measure and by that measure you are awfully well loved. Most of what people say about you distills down to "I respect, admire, and love Conrad and when he's not here I wish he was."

You're a welcome part of a lot of lives. Precious few people can say that with any honesty. You're only alone insofar as no one is screwing you at the moment, which is a fairly crass measure of lonliness.