The Night Shift and the Park
The Great 2021 Shift
Our journey to this park in Eastern Europe didn't happen overnight. It began back in 2021, a year that redefined "the office" for so many of us. As the pandemic shifted my career into a fully remote role, we saw a rare window of opportunity. We decided to take the leap, leaving the United States to build a new life in Europe.
What started as a professional transition quickly became a lifestyle revolution. Because my work remains tied to U.S. headquarters, my workday doesn’t actually begin until 3:00 or 4:00 PM and stretches until midnight.
Finding the Freedom in the "Day Gap"
While working until midnight might sound draining to some, it gave me a gift I never expected: my entire morning and afternoon are completely free.
Instead of being tethered to a desk during the brightest hours of the day, I found myself falling in love with long, quiet walks in the local park. This "day gap" became my time to recharge before the U.S. workday kicked in. It was during these peaceful morning hours—when the city is usually at its busiest, but the park remains a sanctuary—that I first noticed the colony.
The Encounter That Changed Everything
In a quiet corner of the greenery, I found them. At first, it was just a few shadowy figures darting between the trees. But as my daily walks became a ritual, the shadows turned into faces.
I began to see the raw reality of life for these community cats. I saw the fierce protectiveness of Karun, the quiet resilience of the older residents, and the heartbreaking vulnerability of cats like Rusty, who was clearly struggling with health issues that the park couldn't fix. I realized that my move to Europe wasn’t just about seeing new sights or working from a different time zone—it was about being present during those "day gap" hours when these cats needed someone most.
The Birth of "Park to Pillow"
What began as a simple way to enjoy my mornings has turned into the Cat Shelter Diaries. Our mission, Park to Pillow, is born from the belief that every cat in this colony deserves the chance to trade the cold ground for a warm bed.
My unique schedule allows me to provide the consistent, daily care and medical monitoring that these survivors require. By the time I log on for my U.S. meetings at 4:00 PM, I’ve already spent hours in the park, documenting recoveries and ensuring the colony is fed and safe. We invite you to join us on this journey as we bridge the gap between two continents and two very different worlds, one cat at a time.
