Thank you so much for all your comments. I am truly feeling the spirit of Christmas today and feeling the compassion and concern that you have for us. I have just printed out your comments and will bring them to my son when I see him today. I've been going over to his house every day to care for him and the cats. The older female "Sammie" that he got from a friend whose wife is pregnant has taken a special interest in me, sitting on my lap whenever i'm sitting down and especially when I'm using my laptop. The two younger brother-sister cats are rowdier and the male "Mayfield" poops on the carpet just outside the litter box! (They even have their own room!) But he's only been doing it since I've been coming over to care for my son. Last night when I brought him home from my house after spending Christmas Eve with my daughter and other son, Mayfield stood up on his hind legs to touch and greet my son and I could tell it made him feel loved. All three cats wait outside my son's bedroom door which he keeps closed and where he's been spending a lot of time lately. Maybe if he lets them in, he and the cats will both be happier. And so will I if he (the cat) stops crapping on the carpet! I will look for the thread on pets and the comfort they bring us. I had searched for something on cats but will try pets and comfort. Before yesterday, I had been dreading Christmas but this whole cancer experience with my son and the caring and compassion we've received from everyone at OCF, has helped me to appreciate the truly important things in life.