Mia was a stray kitten who came into my life by accident, in 1980. She had been found on the street and someone had brought her into my office. The manager took her home, and the next day came to work and said she didn't like the kitty and did anyone want her. My 8 year old daughter had been asking for a cat, so I took her home, a tiny black fluffball. My daughter was so excited, as I was. We lived in an apartment complex in a small town, no traffic, so I let Mia out. She was no more than 3 months old and had a horrible accident. She had climbed inside someones car engine and he started the car. It was horrible, the whole left side of her body was broken, and everyone told me I should put her to sleep. I said no, shes going to be ok, and we scraped together the money for a big surgery, and she came home in multiple casts. She was so special, even then, so much courage. She finally recovered, only to go into an early heat, and was trying madly to go out. So she had to go back to the vets and be spayed/ Poor baby had a really bad beginning to her life. She got better, only to climb up a drape when I wasn't home, and nearly hung herself on the cord. Mia may not have had 9 lives, but pretty close! I was a single parent and went through many years of misery, trying to find a good man to be with, and getting my heart broken over and over. I spent so many nights crying and Mia would always come and lay with me in bed when I was upset. She never, ever, let me down. She was a true friend to me, and I love her so much. She is gone now, and it feels like I lost a daughter and a best friend in one. She was in good health for most of her life, and moved with me across country twice. She loved to lay in any sun patch she could find, and was very snobby to everyone but me and my daughter. But we didn't care, because she was our best friend. Two years ago she developed a tumor that I was told was cancer. She was over 16 already, and the vet said it would not make a difference to have surgery, because she could tell it was cancer. I blocked out the evil word, and kept the faith that she would be ok. Aside from getting very matted due to lack of grooming herself, or letting me do it, she seemed fine for quite a while. Then she started having little strokes, where part of her body wouldn't work. She would partially recover, and then another one would hit. This was how she spent her last two months. Finally I had to let her go, although I tried to hold on, and she did too. I know she was very unhappy, she could no longer walk. Yet she tried so hard to stay with me. In the end I had to make the decision, and it tortures me so. But it was time to let go. There is such an empty spot in my heart and in my house. I have gotten a kitten, through my daughters attempt to make me feel better, and next week we are taking in an abandoned cat, who desperately needs a home. I still want cats in my life, and will give them all of my love, but my heart stays with Mia. No one, person or cat, could take her place, My heart is broken and I don't think it will ever heal, until I see my Mia again.