Rest in peace, Wally Heather. Words cannot justify the joy you gave us.

When I was much younger (I must have been around 7-8) I had to go to the funeral of one of my grandparents. I didn't cry then either. To be honest I was more disturbed by just how sad everyone else was; I guess I was too young to understand. The point is, crying is just a reaction some people to have to certain feelings. That you aren't crying doesn't mean you feel any less pain from your loss than anyone else who does.

My parents are sick and old, and (at the risk of sounding like a dork to some) I really love my mother, especially because of all she's been through I want to look after her but I can't make her well again or young again, and I have to realise that at some point she'll be gone too. I can't imagine quite how i'll feel and I don't think about it much because I know it'd destroy me. What your mother said was right though. If anything, losing someone close to you can give you a fresh appreciation for life and how fragile it is. You will struggle for a while but with time you'll realise that life does go on and that life is what you make of it, so you might as well make the most of it. Even seemingly small, insignificant things are beautiful, though unfortunately many don't realise it.

If you're afraid of forgetting the little habits your cat had, then write them down or make a scrapbook, so you'll never forget.

Jam it back in, in the dark.