Goodbye, Buddy.

While we were driving Lex to Rexburg, about 30 minutes out, Shilo got a text from Michaela, who was pet sitting for us while we were away.

She thought Buddy might be dying. He was sitting on the floor of the cage. He was obviously not well.

Within the course of about 15 minutes or so, in spite of Michaela's efforts to comfort and help, Buddy was gone. Worried that perhaps he may still have a little birdie heartbeat, I, via Shilo's texting, told Michaela to wrap him in a washcloth and leave him on the counter (vs. putting him in the garage, just in case there was any possibility he was still alive - the cold garage would kill him for sure). I told her that she could check at the end of the day, and if yes, he was definitely dead, to place him in the garage.

I could tell that Shilo was affected by the sudden turn of events, and I was also sad that Michaela had to deal with a deceased bird. I was surprised at the emotion we all felt as we talked about Buddy, and about how we would have to break the news to Mauri, who had stayed home with Grandma to give us room for all of Lexee's stuff.  It put a damper on our high spirits, but as we arrived to Lex's apartment, our minds were busied with other events of the day.

The ride back to Salt Lake was difficult. Bill was shedding tears for Lex, Shilo and I were shedding tears for Buddy. I was reminded how Mauri wanted to give the birds a final goodbye before we headed off on our long, 10-day adventure.

"They'll be here when you get back," I said.

Buddy wasn't.  I'm sure I was covering my emotions about Lex being so far from home with the sadness of Buddy's sudden passing.  Truth is, we don't know if those we love will be there "when we get back" or not.  That sentiment was too hard to think about, so I cried about Buddy, and about how devastated Mauri would be when she heard the news.

Mar was heartbroken when we told her late that night. We all cried. We talked about Heavenly Father's plan. Grandma and Grandpa were there to help soothe and comfort.

I appreciate that Buddy was a beautiful little parakeet. One of God's creations. But I didn't {love} Buddy. Honestly, I'd been looking for good reasons to find the birds a new home. As a non-pet-lover, I've been inundated with more pets than I ever imagined allowing over the past few years.

Buddy's passing was an outlet for other emotions.  The emotions that are finally catching up with Bill's. The visible change in our family. More kids away from home than at home. The emptying nest. 


Here's a {loving} tribute to Buddy (and a more loving tribute to my sweet girl that loved him so much):

Mauri made him a special grave marker.

We found the PERFECT box, and Mar made it beautiful. We all wrote a note to Buddy on the sides.

Billy-my-hero had a few scriptures ready for the funeral, then we sang You Are My Sunshine, a song Mauri would sing to Buddy and Tweety each night before drifting off to sleep.

Goodbye, Buddy.