Dear journal,
In the quiet of the night on Friday, July 12, a night marked by the moon’s apogee, I returned home from an amazing road trip to an unexpected surprise. Upon arriving, I heard faint cries through the return air vent and, following the sound, found three tiny, helpless kittens in my crawlspace. They were all so small, about two weeks old, and in need of care and love. In fact, I knew they were my porch cat, Katydid's, kittens.
I didn't know what to do, so I called in the cavalry. However, I knew Katy would want her babies back. One was too sick and, sadly, didn’t make it through the night. I placed the other two in a basket on the porch, and Katy came and got the strongest but left the other one behind. After waiting, I decided to take him in.
Now that he has been here for almost a week, we are headed to the vet for a check-up, and it's time to give him a name. Not long ago, I came home one night to find a beautiful Luna Moth resting on my hibiscus. Its delicate and beautiful presence left a lasting impression on my heart.
Naming this little kitten Luna Moth, or Louie for short, felt like the perfect tribute to the timing and significance of these events. Just as the Luna Moth symbolizes new beginnings and transformation, this kitten has brought a sense of renewal into my life. Taking care of Louie has filled a hole I didn’t fully realize was there, offering me peace and a reassuring sense that, while I may never be a father, I have the capacity to nurture and love deeply.
As Louie adjusts to his new home, my other two cats, Cricket and Hopper, have been exceptionally curious about their new sibling. Their whiskers twitch with curiosity as they try to sneak peeks at Louie through the door of his quarantine room. Cricket, with her poised and observant nature, and Hopper, with her playful and energetic demeanor, both seem eager to meet the newest member of our family.
Louie’s arrival has brought both joy and companionship, reminding me of the unexpected gifts life can offer. As he grows and eventually joins Cricket and Hopper, I look forward to seeing the dynamic between them unfold. His presence has already added a sense of fulfillment to my life, and I’m grateful for the new experiences and memories we’ll create together.
Welcome home, little Louie Armstrong,
Dave