February 4, 2025: The Storm Drain

Ahhh, February — the month of love.

I’ve been the recipient of many loving acts from many amazing people. The greatest one? When Jess stood at an altar in March 1998 and vowed to cherish me through thick and thin. Still thankful for that.

But another sacrificial act occurred in my neighborhood yesterday. It happened in the black of night, on the side of the street.

Sugah, my neighbor’s black and white tuxedo cat, went missing. As hope faded after a full day of searching, they finally found him, stuck in a nearby storm drain.

But it wasn’t an easy rescue. After prying the metal cover off, the owners had to lower themselves into the murk to grab him. Thankfully, Sugah is now safely back home.

A diamond ring symbolizes lifelong commitment. But when someone dives into a pipe, willing to pull you from life’s darker places? That’s love incarnate. If you’re fortunate enough to find both in one person, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Here’s to love in all its messy, beautiful forms.