10/27/2025
In my latin-slavic culture, I’ve come to see this time from October 27th to November 2nd as a gradual tradition of remembrance. Today marks the day our pets cross back over to visit us.
This year, I think of my Carolina babies. I first saw Tesla on a facebook post for my birthday and I knew from that moment he was mine. A few weeks later on Mother’s Day I brought him home and the rest was history. He left us early this season, and it’s still hard.
For ten years, he watched over me, my family and the farm. He took his job very seriously protecting the ducks, keeping an eye on everything growing and making sure no shenanigans were happening in the garden (he needed order). He was strong-spirited yet steady, I knew I could always count on him. I see him now in every lilac dinner plate dahlia, standing tall and gentle, just like him. He had saved my life in more ways I could ever express.
And then there’s Kepler, who never really gave me a choice. He was brought into my job as a stray with his siblings, and he somehow decided I was his person. When I’d walk away, he’d meow so loudly that my coworker couldn’t take phone calls. So I started carrying him with me while I worked, and the moment I did, he’d settle and he was completely content.
It must have been the cat distribution system effect, because he came home with me soon after. Nothing changed with time because even when we were out in the garden he insisted on being a part of everything. He wouldn’t settle until he was brought outside with us. Though we lost him three years ago, he was unlike any cat I’ve ever known full of mischief, fearless and so completely in love with life.
So tonight, I’ll be lighting a candle, putting out flowers, and leaving out a few treats (one bowl for each) and hoping they both find their way home 🤍
To anyone missing their animals, may they visit you tonight too! 🫶