I have no photos today (this one is from 2010).
I have few words today.
I have only grief because the feathered companion who was with us for just shy of 32 years (he was ~35 years of age) is flying free now.
You could be, in the span of one moment, the most horrible and lovable creature on the face of the planet. You charmed everyone who met you, and you ruled the house. You outlived three cats but, despite seeming to be immortal, you were not.
You had a small stroke in 2018, the same year we lost both Milo and Loki. We learned that you had a failing heart, and we managed your failing heart well, but time not on your side, because you’d already far surpassed the life expectancy of a Senegal parrot…and heart disease can be slowed, but not cured. A couple of months ago things went sideways, fluid on your heart, progressive heart failure. Maybe it could be managed with additional medications. We tried. But a side effect that was a risk came to pass. More strokes.
Your heart was huge for a 140g creature, but it was wearing out, and more strokes, and more complications, were too much for the medications.
Time ran out, and you couldn’t beat the odds any longer.
Thank you for sharing your life, your charm, your character and yes…even your voice, with us.
The home is too quiet now.
Rest now. And fly with the stars. 💔
Goodbye
They saw you watching over them As they finally closed their eyes They smelled your scent As they breathed in and out for the last time They heard the way your voice broke As you told them they were loved They felt you as you held them With your gentle, farewell touch And now they watch each morning As you pass their empty bed They watch you lose composure And they see the tears you shed They hear you bear the silence Of the footsteps that are gone That walk across your heart each day Like echoes of a song They feel the pang of emptiness You get when you’re alone In moments when you realise That they’re never coming home But in their darkest moment You were there to hold them tight And they just want the same for you So you can feel alright So they’re sewing you a rainbow Weaving ribbons through the sky So they can let you know That life is good beyond goodbye
So next time it is raining And the sun appears as well Just feel and look and listen For what they are trying to tell They’re telling you it’s spring there With its showers and its sun Where there are endless fields for them To stretch and play and run They’re telling you they sleep upon The biggest, softest beds That they have stitched from all the clouds That float above your head They’re telling you they’re not alone For there are many others And they’ve been reunited With their parents, sisters, brothers They’re showing you a rainbow So you know they won’t forget you And to tell you they will always Be so happy that they met you And they’re telling you they love you And though they’ll be dearly missed Not to worry, ‘cause it’s beautiful Beyond the rainbow bridge by Becky Hemsley
(98/365/2023)