A Sad Day

What should have been a fun day off from school turned into a very tragic day for both Alex and Malana. They experienced one of life's many sad moments. The loss of a pet. Alex was taking his shower, and Malana was getting herself dressed when I heard her cry from the other room. She had found Alex's bird, Master Chief, at the bottom of the cage. His eyes were closed as if he were sleeping, but he lay there motionless. I grabbed a washcloth and picked him up out of the cage to examine him further. Of course there was nothing we could do. Malana's tears flowed while she watched her brother take his bird and begin stroking his wing. He asked me if there was anything we could do. It was heartbreaking to watch my son's grief and to tell him that there was nothing that could be done. I just kept trying to reassure him that his bird was in a better place. Malana was so upset that she even tried to give the bird CPR. She kept stroking the bird and asking why won't he wake up. Once they had cried enough, we wrapped him up in a washcloth and waited for dad to help with his burial. Alex decided that he really wanted to bury him. Dad and Alex found a wooden birdhouse in the garage and placed the bird in the birdhouse. We all went out in the backyard and buried Master Chief. Alex was able to say a few words and place his bird in the grave. He really wanted a gravestone, but we convinced him that he will be fine without one. Besides, he has his own birdhouse now. Even though this was an extremely sad day for my children, I saw what wonderful, caring, and compassionate people they are. They pull together to help each other in a sad time and provide comfort for each other. All of our animals mean a great deal to our children. Both of them are sensitive and loving people, so even our little parakeets affect them enormously. No matter their size our animals bring so much to our lives. They bring us lots of joy and help us create life long memories.