I don't know you but I know what you're feeling right now. I lost my Orange Boy just a few weeks ago and even this weekend I still felt it. I wish I could share more comfort with you, fellow person. I can share this quote by Kate Braestrup that comforts me in times of loss:
Grief is just love squaring up to its oldest mortal enemy. After all these mortal human years, love is up to the challenge..
As bad as that feeling is right now, it means V mattered and was loved.
I had to say goodbye to my Orange Boy just a few weeks ago and I still feel it looking around the house. I was able to move into this place 17 years ago, and he came to live with me in just a few weeks after. Jean Cocteau said:
“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.”
And he's absolutely right. The home hits different now that his little face isn't peeking around corners, His siblings are working overtime to fill the gap but it's hard. It's crazy how deeply they worm into our hearts, to the point that a thread full of internet strangers all jump to your side when they're gone. It's obvious from your post how deeply you felt about Linux, and I'm sorry for your loss.