I know how you feel. I still miss my Shadows and it's been years. There are some cats, like people that are special and you miss them more than others.
I have 3 cats in the house, and they are all wonderful, but they are still not my Shadows.
My husband was right it took 2 to take her place. I never want to get a grey cat again. I'll always compare the 2.
Why not try another kind of kitty, say a Scottish fold...
denise