When Grandma Killed Her Bird

It was somewhat comical to learn how grandma’s bird had come to the point of needing a funeral service and proper burial in the backyard.

The young parakeet was used to being allowed to roam around grandma’s room. Unfortunately, grandma’s eyesight was poor. On this particular spring day, while grandma had gone to the kitchen to grab a snack, her bird decided to rest upon the seat of grandma’s favorite rocking chair. Tragically, this became the beloved bird’s final resting place.

Upon return from the kitchen, grandma settled into the well-worn light beige leather rocker, unaware of the little bird below. Not a sound was heard, and nothing seemed amiss. But soon grandma noticed she did not hear the gentle chirps she had grown accustomed to.

Grandma called out to the bird, but got no response. It was not until she rose to investigate that she noticed the lifeless, cold body beneath her.

As sad as the thought of that little bird getting squashed to death was, it is not nearly as heart-breaking as watching grandma deal with the emotional trauma of losing her pet due to her poor eyesight. This bird had provided grandma with a sense of calm and comfort since the passing of her husband.

I have realized since the death of that little bird just how beneficial it was for grandma’s well-being. She has since latched on to my dog (an energetic pointer with a strength which belies her slight figure), and to her daughter’s ornery cats (which want nothing to do with grandma).

Several discussions have taken place in the year since the bird’s death about a replacement pet for grandma, and although she harbors a fear that she will accidently kill another bird, we have decided they are the most ideal pet for grandma.

As I have gone to several communities which own an aviary, I have witnessed this same attachment. Residents and workers grow to love their birds, and become involved in their care and well-being.

And so, this year for grandma’s birthday, I can’t wait to see her response when she is gifted with a beautiful bird.