Goodbye my baby chili =(

[NJAngel]

On Dec 18,2008 we suffered the worst kind of ice storm that no one here has ever seen we had lost our power that same night around 9:30pm shortly after putting chili and the rest of the flock to bed and covered.No one knew what that night would bring until 10:30pm as trees around us started to snap crackle and crash for the next 24 hours no one knew how bad it was until dawn Friday morning with power lines down and trees gone.We live about 350ft off the road and surrounded by trees during the storm trees had crashed around our driveway making our lot look like a forest with no way out. We took all of our blanks and gave them all to the birds as my father announces the generator will not start. For 48 hrs we had no power ,no water ,no heat and all we could do was give our feather babies our covers and pray that god would somehow make light and not take any of our babies.I wanted so bad to just cuddle them up in the layers of clothes we had on but with the chain saws going and more limbs falling we thought it was best for them to stay in their homes.

I had check everyone once in awhile not wanting to open the covers to much to let the cold air hit them as by the end of 48 hrs our house was in the mid 30's. Sat morning I had checked everyone and all was well and around 4 pm the house was hit once again and by 10 pm that night when the power returned my Chili was gone =(

We have since now bought two new generators and will never just think a ice storm to be just that. Saturday night we spent watching over the other birdies to make sure they where warming up and moving to get the blood flowing.

Chili would have been 4 this week on the 27

[Lisa B]

I am so sorry to hear that. Being from NNJ as well, I know the ice storms and how horrible they can be. We lost heat for 5 days back in the 96 storm. We kept warm with the woodstove. No one could get to us and part of our roof collapsed.
Another storm before that I was stuck on an isolated road(canister rd in passic/sussex county) and it was too bad for the town to send out the sanders. There was something like over 100 cars, stranded. It was a long night.
My heart breaks for you. I am sorry for your loss.

[alohashark]

Very sorry for your loss.

[Orcalinkinpark]

sorry bout chili this is very hard to handle especially so close to the holidays. right now she's in a place where she feels no pain. I hope this poem helps

I'm Still Here

Please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, I'm everyplace!

Author Unknown

[catschair]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I spent nights madly trying to find something to throw in the fireplace to keep the fids warm when I lived in colder climes and the power was out. Chili just went to sleep -- hypothermia is not painful or scary; you will see her again some day. Fly free, Chili

[Tobysmom]

im so sorry for your loss

[Michelle & Fids]

I'm so sorry,sending lots of healing hugs.


Lend to You a Bird

"I will lend to you for awhile, a bird" God said.

For you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he is dead.

Maybe for twelve of fourteen years, or maybe two or three.

But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,

You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I can not promise that he will stay, since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught below I want this bird to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,

And from the folks that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to take my lovely bird again.

I fancied that I heard them say,

For all the joys this bird will bring, the risk of grief you'll run.

Will you shelter him with tenderness?

Will you love him while you may?

And for the happiness you'll know, forever grateful stay?

But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned,

Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

If, by your love, you've managed, my wishes to achieve,

In memory of him you've loved, be thankful, do not grieve.

Cherish every moment of your feathered charge.

He filled your home with songs of joy, the time he was alive.

Let not his passing take from you those memories to enjoy.

"I will lend to you, a Bird" God said, and teach you all you have to do.

And when I call him back to heaven, you will know he loved you too.

[Luisa]

I'm so sorry for your loss

[Twisted Monkey]

so so sad, sorry for your loss :(

[donnakris]

I am so sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts.