An unfortunate passing.

On June 1 of 2011, some 12 years ago an incredible opportunity came into my life. It was the day of a devastating tornado that passed over Western New England and affected the town that I live in in Brimfield. Many people suffered that day. Hundreds lost their homes, many were injured, and some died. The grief and tragedy of the companies, a natural disaster, or any event like this. In one’s life is unfathomable. I was lucky. The material things that I lost that day can be easily replaced. The ones around me that I love survived. What happened that day though is more incredible. Working as a paramedic in the town of Broomfield the day after the tornado, a tree worker brought in a little six day old kitten. Unable to care for him, overwhelmed with the whole situation, and still in shock from a tornado which ravaged our town. The small kitten brought a ray of sunshine to a fire station that was in chaos. Like all the other human survivors, we did the best we could to keep this little fellow alive, and eventually passed him on to a local animal shelter in Boston.

Recovery is often measured in time, but also is measured in how you personally come to grips with the events that have caused you some trauma in your life. Four weeks after the tornado in our town was piecing itself back together, the tiny kitten that had come into our lives briefly at the Fire Station returned to live at my house. Now called Toto, this feisty little cat who had survived a tornado himself would go onto become an emblem of not only our town, but what it means for me to have an opportunity to make a difference in other peoples lives. toto, amazing journey of survival prompted me to write a small children’s book called Toto the tornado kitten. Little did I know over the next 12 years that this amazing cat would take me on a journey that would introduce me to so many people and provide me an opportunity to make myself a better person, and try to change the world around me. Together Toto and I travel to over 500 different schools, libraries, and nursing homes as we shared his story with others. In doing so this amazing cat provided love to all who ran into him and was able to raise over $76,000 for locally animal shelters. But more than that he provided me a tangible way to see the good in something that happens so awful to so many people.

I knew in my heart that the project could never go on forever. With an incredible cat every day, I was amazed by his outgoing nature and loving demeanor. There wasn’t a single day that his incredible courage and kindness radiated from his paws and eyes and shine light on everybody who came in contact with him. Whether it was a trip to the bank or the fire station, or a visit to a local school this amazing cat brought joy to so many people.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Several weeks ago, his health began to decline, and despite the interventions of our amazing vet team, it was decided that his time would come. I was with them up until the very end. He never gave up. He was a fighter and we gave him the peaceful ending that he would’ve wanted. While my heart is heavy, I am so happy and enjoy the time that we spent together. I could never have asked for more incredible animal to accompany me on a decades worth of adventures. Our time on earth is limited here, both cats and humans - andwe must cherish what we have. My heart is broken, but I will go on and find another adventure.In the meanwhile, I have a boat carries his name on many more adventures for me to go on. I miss you so much buddy.