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Baby Died

 



Leave it to Baby to exit this world on an exciting Eclipse Day.  Talk about a grand departure! 

I remember well the day I drove to the pet store.  It was 40 years ago and our youngest enrolled in kindergarten.  The house seemed too quiet all of a sudden.  I needed a friend.  I remember praying before I shopped for a bird.  Not a fragile parakeet this time, but I asked for a strong bird whose sounds would fill up our empty rooms.  I chose a young cockatiel and the family named him Baby. 

Baby was a little too loud, but funny to have around especially when Tom came home from his job with the phone company.  He wore a pager back then and got in the habit of turning it off, back on and off again before setting it down by his wallet and keys.  Baby echoed the pager call perfectly and made us laugh every time. 

I figured Baby, such a perky bird, would last a long time, but never expected him to hit the typical 15-20 year mark let alone 40!  I should have kept his papers.   You’ll just have to take my word for it! 

Baby irritated me at times with his loud screeching personality.  Baby could out-do excitable dialogue and lively conversations.  I mentioned my frustrations to Tom a time or two, but he would always respond:  “We made a commitment to him and our kids.  Everybody stays!”



I am filled with sadness today as the kids and I buried Baby in my prayer garden.  The house is incredibly quiet!  But I’m not going to the pet store.  I gave away all my bird food and supplies just to be sure.  No more playing “Bird Chirping” You Tube Channels, either. 

Thank you, tough bird, for hanging in there all those years with us.  I will miss you.


Comments

  1. Mevely317April 9, 2024 at 9:47 AM

    Oh Mary, I'm so very sorry!
    The only birds I had growing up were (ill-fated) canaries sans personality. Each named "Bobby", I think my mother enjoyed them more than me. Tom, on the other hand, used to enjoy both his cockatoos and parrots. I don't think either had the life expectancy of your Baby; that's amazing.
    I sure enjoyed hearing the story of his life ... what a legacy he's left. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  2. RCUBEsApril 17, 2024 at 10:18 PM

    Hi sister Mary! It's good to see you wrote about Baby but my visit is a little late😩... I can't imagine all the lessons you all have learned having Baby with the responsibility that comes caring for a special pet and a special part of your family.

    I haven't been blogging but never forgetting you in my prayers. Hope you're remaining strong in the Lord's mighty power 🙏

    As hubby & I are both retired, we're trying to be not idle but most of all, we both know the most important thing of always drawing near to the Lord at this trying time. God bless you & always protect you and your family. Love and prayers always. 🙏🤗

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saleslady371April 18, 2024 at 9:37 PM

      Rosel, I often think of you, too. I love hearing from you! Love and prayers, always!

      Delete
  3. BrendaJune 26, 2024 at 1:00 AM

    Mary I understand exactly how you must feel. My husband and I have always kept rescue cats, and one of them lived for about 18 years with us. She was a brindle (a cat that can live as many as 24 years) . When she passed away it was like losing a child. The only thing that helped me at that time is that we had been given the opportunity of looking after her, and the happiness she brought to us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceAugust 19, 2024 at 4:18 PM

    What a special bird Baby was, Mary! I can only imagine the pain you feel at losing Baby after 40 years with him, wow! I wish other animals would live as long as Baby! My mom had a parrot, and he was so much fun. Prayers lifted for you dear friend, miss seeing you around, glad to see you posting! Many blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lux G.August 21, 2024 at 4:58 AM

    OMG, I'm so sorry to hear that, Mary. You've given Baby a good life.

    ReplyDelete

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