Darlin

Darlin' changed my world forever when my sister Melanie brought her into our lives. When I was at home alone one day while Dad was at work and Mom and Melanie were out, I first got aquainted with "D." She ended up on my back. Having never spent times with birds before, I was a bit frozen—not sure whether to try to get her off my back as I was walking around.

The first emotionally special experience we shared came shortly thereafter up in the "music room" of our house. I was sitting with Darlin', listening to a Dionne Warwick CD including a song called "I Sing at Dawn." When Warwick sang the line "I sing at dawn with the birds in harmony," I realized how precious Darlin' was and what a special connection we could have.

Darlin' and I became very close. As three more awesome birds—Woodrow, Chester, and Teeny—entered our lives over the next several years, our bond remained very close. I have such precious memories of spending time with her and the rest of "the flock" in the playroom of our home—where they'd often fly up to the fixtures that ran across the room a bit under the ceiling. We'd all talk, listen to music, sing, play, and love each other.

Darlin' was a remarkable bird who defied a number of health challenges in her later years. I was so blessed after I spent seven years away at college and trying to make a living in two other cities that when I returned home, I took on the role of sole caretaker for all of the birdies. Darlin' and I had a great eight years together. The last two years were extremely challenging. She was such an unbelievable champion and fighter, weathering some very serious and dire health situations. We became closer than ever during this time.

I treasure the sweetness, pure love, care, understanding, affection, knowledge, and intimacy that Darlin' provided me with for many important years of my life. Our shared connection of music and tenderness are incomparable and unforgettable. Thank you Miss Darlin'!