Visiting Shelters, trying to get ready to save a cat Options

[I miss mouses]

I miss my cat so much. Didn't think I would ever, ever be ready this soon, but I am starting to think of getting a new cat. I miss Mouses, I miss all of her kitty things. I can't have her back...she is what I want, but I miss having a cat so much. I went to the shelter to see how I would feel. Very mixed feelings. Part of me felt like, "yes, this is what I am missing." The other part of me kept thinking, "your not my Mouses...and you'll never be."
However...the animal lover in me needs to save one now. It was so nice to see cats again. In a strange way it felt like I was seeing my Mouses again. This shelter had over 300 cats. Many in cages...row after row. This shelter also had 5 open rooms too, with about 10 cats in each free roaming room. It was such a great day. I stayed there for 2 hours. It was very emotional in many ways. I have an open heart, I have an open home...how can I just walk away??
I did not choose one yet. I will keep visiting for awhile. I love Mouses, but I also miss the cat in Mouses. I hate sleeping without a cat. I miss feeding, and brushing a cat. I even miss cleaning the litter box. I miss fur everywhere. I still can't believe how fast Mouses' hair disappeared after she went to heaven. Some part of me thought her fur would still be around.
I cried all the way home. I kept thinking..."how do I pick one...I had the best one?" I went home and looked at her pictures. She is the best cat ever. I want her...I don't want a new cat. I want my old life back. I loved my life with Mouses. UGH!!
For all of you that opened your heart again, did it help? Was it nice to just have a cat or dog again? Did you pick one to match your lost loved one...or go in the opposite direction? I tried both ways, not sure what feels more comforting. No one can match her inside, so I might just pick one that looks like her. Not sure?? Any advice? All I know is saving one would feel really nice. Those poor kitties.
Thanks, Mouses' mommy