The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: "A Feline Roamer" by Jade Coffin

Introduction

In the November 9, 2018 episode of The Moth titled "A Feline Roamer," storyteller Jade Coffin shares a heartfelt and humorous tale about his family's journey with their beloved cat, Poppins. Hosted by Dan Kennedy, this episode delves into themes of responsibility, loss, and the transformative power of unexpected relationships. Jade's narrative not only entertains but also offers profound insights into parenthood and the bonds we form with our pets.

Story Overview

The Arrival of Poppins

Jade Coffin begins his story with the significant life event of expecting his second child. Amidst the excitement and chaos of preparing for a new family member, his five-year-old daughter expresses a desire to adopt a cat. Despite Jade's initial reservations—stemming from his childhood experiences in Thailand, where cats often roam feral—he concedes to the decision, understanding its importance for the family.

"Apparently, Poppins is that she was found on the side of the road in a plastic storage bin that had been duct taped shut." (04:20)

Poppins, a sleek black kitten, is introduced to the family with her playful nature and independent spirit.

Adapting to Parenthood with Poppins

As Poppins settles into the household, Jade discovers the challenges of integrating a cat into their lives, especially with a newborn on the way. He humorously describes his role as the "cat box man," responsible for maintaining the litter box despite his lack of enthusiasm for cats.

"Apparently pregnant women cannot be around cat litter. I didn't know that they can't. And my daughter's only five, so I am like cat litter guy." (07:10)

Poppins' adventurous spirit becomes evident as she frequently escapes outdoors, often climbing trees and getting stuck. Jade, leveraging his mountaineering skills, turns these rescues into neighborhood spectacles, embracing his newfound role as the family's hero.

A Tragic Turn

The narrative takes a somber turn when, during the birth of his second child, Poppins injures her leg in a cedar tree. Balancing the demands of a newborn and her injured state, Jade rushes Poppins to an emergency animal hospital, grappling with the high costs and the strain it places on his family.

"I've never really been through this before, but I need to know, can you save my daughter's cat for $700? And I say, and if you can't, I need to know, do you have any other black cats?" (11:30)

Despite his efforts, Poppins' condition worsens, leading to her eventual passing. The loss deeply affects Jade and his family, especially his young daughter, who dreams of Poppins every night.

Honoring Poppins

In the wake of Poppins' death, Jade channels his grief into creating a personalized coffin, meticulously crafting it with a heart-shaped hole. This act symbolizes his desire to honor Poppins' free spirit and ensure she remains unconfined even in death.

"I cut into the lid a hole in the shape of a heart that I make sure is just big enough for Poppins to crawl out of." (14:50)

Themes and Insights

Jade Coffin's story resonates on multiple levels:

1. Responsibility and Commitment: Adopting a pet introduces new responsibilities, especially when unexpected life events, like the arrival of a new baby, occur simultaneously.

2. Balancing Priorities: Jade's struggle to balance the needs of his family and Poppins highlights the challenges many face in managing multiple roles.

3. Grief and Tribute: The creation of Poppins' coffin serves as a poignant tribute, illustrating how individuals cope with loss and honor their loved ones.

4. Transformation Through Love: Despite initial reluctance, Jade's relationship with Poppins transforms him into a dedicated and affectionate pet owner, demonstrating how love can change perspectives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jade Coffin on Poppins' Resilience:

  "Poppins runs outside and gets stuck in this really tall cedar tree in our backyard." (08:45)

• Jade Reflecting on Fatherhood:

  "It's all you, dad. And you know, I get it." (12:15)

• Jade on Building the Coffin:

  "I start building Poppins this very elaborate coffin. And the last thing I do is I build a lid for the coffin... just big enough for Poppins to crawl out of." (14:30)

Conclusion

Jade Coffin's "A Feline Roamer" is a touching narrative that blends humor with heartfelt emotion. Through his story, listeners are reminded of the profound impact pets can have on our lives and the enduring bonds that transcend their physical presence. Jade's ability to find humor and meaning amidst tragedy offers a compelling testament to resilience and the enduring power of love.

About the Storyteller

Jade Coffin is a writer from New Brunswick, Maine, who teaches at the University of New Hampshire. He authored A Chant to Soothe Wild Elephants, detailing his life as a Buddhist monk, and Roughhouse Friday, chronicling his unique experiences, including winning the middleweight title of a barroom boxing show in Alaska.

Final Thoughts

For those moved by Jade's story, The Moth encourages sharing personal narratives, fostering a community where every story matters. Whether it's through adopting a new pet or sharing your own life experiences, stories like Jade's remind us of our shared humanity and the connections that bind us.