Blue & Gold Saves A Life

[Darlie]

It’s the end of the weekend and I’m reflecting on what my fids have done for me and wanted to share my love story and maybe give the gift of sharing that story with someone who may need to hear it. Yes, Penelope has saved lives.

Almost five years ago our oldest son died and we were not the parents of fids at the time. Maybe because my son’s birthday was on Tuesday, maybe because of the glorious breeze blowing through here today or maybe because it’s just a time to sit down and reflect I started realizing how far we’ve come since taking that first step on grief’s road and just how much I owe Penelope, our blue and gold, and wondered if she knows it. More than anyone, although she never asks for a “thank you”, she deserves it. I remember being told at the time, by my son’s best friend that I would have to be stronger than I had ever been before in my life in order to hold all of them up; himself, my husband and other two sons.

I was battling my own dark grief and afraid of losing my husband to a depression that knew no depths. I was reading the pet classifieds one tired day as that was all I had the energy for or the ability to concentrate on. I spotted an add for a B&G and called a friend of a mine who is a parront and said “let’s go take a look at this bird, it’s a beautiful drive to where she lives and I need to get out of the house.” So, off we went.

Little did I know that I was about to fall in love and that my life was about to change and that this beautiful macaw was about to seduce my husband and pull him out of his depression and back into life. Yes, I have her to thank. His first reaction when we came back from our trip was “Tell me you didn’t buy a bird!” My friend informed him no I had not and that I had indeed bought an elephant instead and he would have to clean up after it! Friends like her are always good to have around, especially after a major purchase!

Penelope was delivered one week later and immediately started her seduction of Tim with her dances, and sexy “Hi”. After his initial shock of my checkbook balance and his fear of her had abated a little he would start putting his hand over the cage bars towards her head getting a little closer each time. One day he was close enough! She grabbed his finger, pulled it through those bars and placed it on her little green head for a scratch! She had done it. She grabbed his hand and in that moment said let’s start living again and he responded. Slowly but surely I watched her gently pull him out of that depression. Yes, I have Penelope to thank every day of the rest of my life. I seriously don’t think he’d be with us today had it not been for her.

Since that day we’ve acquired 2 more fids that are all loved dearly. Ah, but Penelope? Well, she captured a heart, threw out a lifeline and saved a life. And for that I will be eternally grateful!

[TooLover]

What an absolutely wonderful, touching story! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Sure brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!

[poi_lover]

Thanks for that beautiful story Darlie. I'm glad you shared it with us!

[FeathersNFur8]

What a heartwarming story Darlie!

[Zoe's Mom]

Darlie,
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I wasnt sure when I started to read it that I would be able to finish. I am so glad I did. It is amazing to me how a pet can come into and touch our lives so deeply. Four year ago my husband suffered a back injury that stripped him of the life he knew. Everyday the kids went off to school and I went off to work and he stood in the door and watched us go. This went on for almost 3 1/2 years. I too watched him slip into a depression I never thought he would come out of. He rarely ever left the house or even got dressed anymore. One day I begged him to take a ride with me to the pet store to get substrate for the tortoise tank. I could tell he really didnt want to go but, he followed behind slowly. Once in the store we had to go almost to the back to get what I needed. I remember him telling me years ago that he had always wanted a bird so when we went thru that area I tried to look interested in them ( I never thought of myself as a bird person). Peeking out at us from a small cage was the most beautiful GCC. She watched and followed my husbands every move until she got his attention. The rest is history. He spends every waking moment with her. I can see a light in his eyes that I have missed for many years and I owe it all to our little Zoe. She is a tiny bird but she packs a lot of love

[Sally]

Bless you Darlie.

[Irish]

What can I possibly say? Your stories are incredibly inspiring and touching. God truly does work in mysterious, miraculous ways!

[The Outlaw]

I am truly touched by both stories. Its amazing how God sends his angels to help us through our despair. Many native American tribes believe that birds are God's messengers. If you pay attention, you receive the message and the gift. I you push them away, you cannot receive the gift. I knew from the very first day I purchased my first bird that this was like no other pet I had ever had. And, I was absolutely correct. The very best part of all, is that you understood the message.

[CALVINS MOM]

And I wipe the tears streaming down my face.... With your permission, I would love to copy your post and hang it in the store where I work. It is a truly beautiful story. So sorry about your son... but so happy that you and your family are on the mend thanks to your gorgeous little girl!

[Macawlvr]

Some times the heart is touched in a way we would never have expected.
Thanks for your story of redemption Darlie...we all need one of those in our lives.

Seeya............................................. ........... James