06/02/2026
Hi friends. We want you all to know that Maya unexpectedly crossed the rainbow bridge last weekend. We are shattered.
Maya, you were our world. From the second we saw your googly eyes and wild whiskers, we knew you were meant to be part of our family. But what we didn't know was just how big of an impact you would make.
You were by our sides (or on our laps, in our bed, or staring at us from somewhere) for moments big and small over the last 9 years, from the day we got engaged, to our wedding, to the day we brought our son home from the hospital.
You were there trying to stick your paws in our soup (still don't understand that one), showing our coworkers your bu****le on video calls, demanding attention (but never pets) whenever we had company, tilting your whole body instead of just your head, and screaming at the top of the stairs for dinner each day (an hour early, of course).
You taught us what unconditional love looks like. You led us to adopting Dragon and Modecai — and helped other disabled cats get adopted, too. And you introduced us to some amazing new friends.
You helped educate about disabilities and differences of all kinds. You inspired us to write children's books and start a nonprofit. Thousands of kids have learned to be a little more inclusive because of you. And we know that even though you're no longer here, your impact is far from gone.
So thank you for turning us into a family, Maya. Although 9 years was not nearly long enough, we're grateful for every minute.
We love you, and will continue carrying on your legacy. I mean, how many 10lb cats get to have a legacy this large?
As for what happened, we're not entirely sure. She had just been to the vet for a healthy visit. Her vet thinks it may have been a heart atttack. We weren't home when it happened, which breaks our hearts, but she was with her pet sitter, who she loved and who was part of her story even before we were.
Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing our favorite memories with Maya. Beyond that, we'll do our best to continue sharing our family and Maya's legacy.
And to all of you, thank you for being a part of Maya's story and for loving her like we always will.
