Pretty sure your comment has made my life, lol. Thank you so much, you've made ME tear up too!
My friend, you'll have to be sure in future chapters to take good care of your parents, now won't you ;) (*nervously buys flood insurance*)
The symbol you chose will flavor your story a bit. I have some ideas about it that I am working through, but as it stands now, that selection will sort of piggyback onto a different major - route altering - choice later in the story. (You may find out more about your grandmother later as well!)
Also, you are 100% right! Why on Earth did I not put in some kitty interaction!? I'm a cat-fanatic, what the hell is wrong with me? I will right this wrong in future updates! :3