Tomorrow, I have to bury Gabby.

[Ladyhawk]

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:

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

Dr. Speer sent me his last feathers:

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

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

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]

 

[Kentuckienne]

Agh. There is no easy way forward. You have my sympathy.

 

[happy410]

My heart is aching for you. I just can't imagine. Please know you are in my thoughts as you go through this.

 

[Scott]

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.

 

[Flboy]

So so painful!

 

[SailBoat]

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]

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

 

[Kiwibird]

My thoughts are with you.

 

[Katu]

I am so sorry for your loss. Gabby had a wonderful companion in you.

 

[Inger]

My heart is with you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DerTier]

I'm sorry for your loss <3 longevity is a blessing but makes for much harder parting

 

[YUMgrinder]

my face is raining after seeing your tribute. so amazing!

 

[Sherbert.the.Bird]

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]

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

 

[PetoftheDay]

You are in all our thoughts and prayers.

 

[GaleriaGila]

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]

 

[Ladyhawk]

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]

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

 

[Billdore]

Totally crying, thats so touching. I wish I had words to express my sympathy.

 

[plumsmum2005]

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.