Tomorrow, I have to bury Gabby.

Ladyhawk

New member
Apr 30, 2017
489
18
Parrots
Kizzy - (most likely) female blue-fronted Amazon, hatched on May 1, 2017; Gabby - Male double yellowheaded Amazon, hatched, April 1, 1986; died February 22, 2017
He died on February 22, but I was so distraught I couldn't face his funeral, so we froze his casket.

Gabby was my best friend, my life partner, the light of my life. I never thought I would lose him. Occasionally, I had nightmares about him dying and in the dreams it would all turn out to be a big mistake because I seriously could not deal with such a reality. I was so upset I had to move in with my mother temporarily. Gabby was such a treasure. We shared a pair bond that lasted over thirty years.

When we were both young:

17621805_10208848797397863_3538055857423521963_o.jpg


February 23, 2016, almost a year to the day before he passed away:

16992021_10208607783772673_5519104846242812212_o.jpg


Dr. Speer sent me his last feathers:

17637175_10208848826998603_6633305039643332979_o.jpg


My mother and I made him a casket with his name, picture, a favorite bell and some cards:

17097859_10208671796412949_2999623786068113251_o.jpg


Inside, my mother laid out felt in all of Gabby's colors:

17192032_10208671801133067_8918589541212152884_o.jpg


He's been in the freezer, waiting out the storms both external and internal. When it wasn't raining outside, it was raining on the inside. Right now, the rain is falling down my cheeks, but it is time to say goodbye.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrmLMCVhO0g"]Williams Brothers - "Can't Cry Hard Enough" (1992) - YouTube[/ame]
 

happy410

Member
Jul 23, 2015
393
3
ALABAMA
Parrots
Happy, DYH Amazon
Tesla, Blue & Gold Macaw
My heart is aching for you. I just can't imagine. Please know you are in my thoughts as you go through this.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
My deepest condolences for your loss of Gabby. You and your mother have designed a beautiful tribute for a most beloved companion.

Please take care of yourself and seek wise counsel for your grief from whatever source is comforting. I can tell you the mourning period from such loss has no boundary, but in time Gabby's sweet memories will prove consoling.
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,646
10,008
Western, Michigan
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DYH Amazon
There is no time that is any easier to intern our feathered companions. No time is the right time. Whether a choice of the mind, the weather, or the outside world, when the moment comes all of the memories flow softy back, surround and their love comforts us.

"Don't stand by my grave and cry my friend. For I am not here - I am with you..."

They are with us every moment of every day, close to our hearts and deep within our minds. They're part of us, providing us strength to move forward.

Warm Feathered Amazon Hugs!
 

Terry57

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Thinking of you today, and sending my deepest condolences. The casket you and your Mother made is a wonderful tribute to Gabby.
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
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1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
My thoughts are with you.
 

Katu

New member
May 27, 2017
148
0
GTA, ON
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Male blue budgie!
I am so sorry for your loss. :( Gabby had a wonderful companion in you.
 

Inger

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Mar 20, 2017
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826
Everett, WA
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Bumble - Pacific (or Celestial) Parrotlet hatched 02/19/17
My heart is with you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

YUMgrinder

Member
Mar 20, 2017
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-Jazz, Normal Grey Cockatiel /

-Chessie, Pearl Cockatiel /

-Perry, Black capped Conure /

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3 little busy Budgies
my face is raining after seeing your tribute. so amazing!
 

Sherbert.the.Bird

New member
May 12, 2017
31
0
California
Parrots
Lutino Bourke's Parakeet
This thread honestly made my eyes well up. I've only had my fid for about a month and can't imagine losing her or any of my animal companions. They're better than most people. My heart goes out to you and yours.
 

GaleriaGila

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
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Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
Dearest fellow parront...
I don't think anybody here has a more similar history to that of mine with the Rb (BIG HAIR PORTRAIT, ARCHIVED FEATHERS, SCRAPBOOK COLLECTIONS, etc., we both did it all).
Gabby passed while LOVED and knowing it.
So will the Rickeybird.
So you and I did our jobs. I am SO right-beside-you in spirit.
Thanks for staying with us and sharing.
Love,
Gail and the Rb
 

GaleriaGila

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
15,045
8,742
Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
May I add this? It's wonderfully soothing, to me, when I think of losing a bird...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfjUEBT9I"]Paul McCartney - Blackbird (Live) - YouTube[/ame]
 
Last edited:
OP
Ladyhawk

Ladyhawk

New member
Apr 30, 2017
489
18
Parrots
Kizzy - (most likely) female blue-fronted Amazon, hatched on May 1, 2017; Gabby - Male double yellowheaded Amazon, hatched, April 1, 1986; died February 22, 2017
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #17
My mother prepared everything to make it easier for me. We buried Gabby on her property, where he lived for several years of his life. I didn't think I'd want to touch his casket with him in it, but instead, I couldn't let go of it. I ended up hugging it for a long, long time. I'm not sure why, but I wanted to transfer my warmth to him in that cold little casket and bathe it with tears so something of me could go with him. The instinct to protect him was still so strong.

I'll continue to love him and miss him until the day I die. RIP, beautiful little soul. You'll always be my baby.
 

GaleriaGila

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
15,045
8,742
Cleveland area
Parrots
The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
Perfect.
Perfect.
Just perfect.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
 

plumsmum2005

New member
Nov 18, 2015
5,330
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England, UK
Parrots
Lou, Ruby, and Sonu.
Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
So very sorry for your loss, the pain does lessen slowly. Try and remember all the good and funny experiences you shared together when it hurts so much. Gabby will forever be in your heart and no one can erase those precious sweet memories.
 

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