a day in the life of a latvian mom

Capturing the Final Moments Indoors

As spring slowly arrived, Nelle, then 11, took some beautiful pictures of Marley on our balcony. Like me, Nelle has developed a love for photography, and she’s quite good at it. Her eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of a moment are truly impressive. The photos of Marley beautifully capture his final days in the flat where he spent the long winter with us.

Restlessness and the Call of the Wild

Living on the second floor had its challenges. Marley grew increasingly restless, and we knew it wouldn’t be long before he’d try to find a way out. His frustration was clear—especially with the birds that taunted him just beyond the glass or near the balcony. He would sit on the balcony, eyes locked on them, tail flicking in annoyance, longing to chase them as he once did.

But it wasn’t just the birds. Fluffy, the cat from upstairs, added to Marley’s impatience. Sharing space with another feline wasn’t something Marley was used to, and his longing for the countryside grew stronger each day.

A Return to the Countryside

With the arrival of spring, we knew it was time to bring Marley back to the countryside. Though we don’t have pictures of that first moment back, we can tell you Marley quickly adjusted to his familiar surroundings. His spirit seemed to lift immediately, as if he knew he was finally back where he belonged.

He’s now back to his old self—happy, healthy, and free to roam the countryside once again. Though Nelle’s pictures from the flat serve as a beautiful reminder of that brief period of adjustment, it’s comforting to know that Marley is now thriving in the place he loves most.

Happy to see him alive,

Ilze and Nelle