I'm so sorry for your loss...
I am sorry - this must be so hard for you. Scampers was a beautiful kitty. Such nice black fur. I shudder to think about how we'll handle it one day (hopefully many, many years from now) when our kitties pass over the RB.
I know that in Jan 2000, when my childhood dog, Lady (a long-haired collie) died, I felt so sad. She was 16 or so - she was a country dog - lived a good life. She was the best. It's hard to lose a pet. In 1983, when I was just 5, my mom's 17-year-old cat, Missy, died. I remember Mom being so upset and I was pretty confused and upset too.
I'm thinking about you guys, and my kitties send purrs and kisses your way. :)