Sorry to hear about your cat.
I picked up a stray black & white tabby when I was 11 and she was the greatest cat that ever lived (Not really... but to me she was) and she lived a long time. But she got old and had many medical conditions, but I swear she waited that last year till I came back from overseas on leave, to see me before she passed away.
Yes it is tough to lose such a supportive friend. Really tough. But remember once you had not met him yet, and out there are others yet to meet. It's true you won't find the same exact person, but you may find good ones and their differences will be interesting and maybe help you in new situations yet to come. Also your friend invested a lot of care in you and what they want most is for you to press on. It's not about success but simply making your way in this world. So put your head down and go on, for yourself and for your friend and friends yet to meet.
I was going to post this on the 'post a youtube for the unhappy aspies' thread but think maybe being a performer, you might like it. It's a offbeat & upbeat song and has clips from many old classic performers.
Iggy Pop - Passenger
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEY6_jcrzI8[/youtube]
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