"Richard coming out of the microwave"??!!! OK, we *must* have some pictures of Richard, please?
Big fluffy orange kitties rock! Rum and Butter, the kitties of my childhood were exactly that. Go after 'em up there, Richard and send your mom a sign.
They knew love, and that was because of you--thank you for that. I think this said it all: "Thank you for being strong enough to let them know they were loved while they gave life a chance"
Godspeed, Roscoe, and please look up Dusty, who just arrived at the Bridge about 2 weeks ago from the same nasty condition. You both are obviously cats of distinction and will have a lot to share.