Still the best hope

No America is not the best hope for civilization anymore, but yes, my son is the best hope for my lost cat to find a new, satisfying life after me. I think about him every day back to what was over 81/2 years alone is paradise (for him). I cry over his loss every day because he could not accept the new kitten. How could I have known? How could I have betrayed him?  How could he have betrayed our life together? How could I know the right answer to the catch 22? How do I go on? How do I know that hope springs eternal in the human breast?