Christmas 2021 was perfect. Mike and I, and our family of feathers and fur.
That joy would not continue in 2022. It came to a fiery end on 29 January. For love, Mike went back into the fire he had escaped. Our two tiny dogs, Blessing and Smudge were inside, as were Josie and Reilly, the Red Heeler and Lab respectively. None made it out alive.
Lost that day were – Mike, Blessing, Smudge, Josie, Reilly, Emmy, Rico, Ku, Red Runner, Jasper, Felix, Angel, Bonnie & Clyde, Walter, Handsome Stan, Louise, Cujo, Pee Wee, Dole, Jack, Blinky, Fabio, Joe, Pogo, Sassy, Deville & Diablo, a new pair of African Grey’s, a new pair of Eclectus and five brooders of babies.
Losses continued shortly thereafter with the aviary birds; Macaws – Blue and Gold, Greenwing, Severe, Yellow Collar, Catalina, Capri, Scarlet, Blue Throat and Red Front; Congo African Greys; Amazons – Lilac Crown and Yellow Nape; Conures – Blue Crown and Patagonian; Vasa parrots and an Indian Ringneck.
Some of the birds were mine prior to the fire, but the estate seems to feel it is allowed to sell/give away my birds (and other personal property), so I continue to fight to bring my birds home.
Because of the fire I lost my home. At least I still worked at the store….but now the store has a new owner and I’m out of a job…and all my birds at the store are being stolen from me…or at least that is the attempt – trust me, the fight is on!! The birds are my babies – mama bear is awake and will see her babies come home!
Because I lost my job, I lost my health insurance. I’m still under care…or I was still under care, for a finger injury obtained during the fire. The finger healed, but isn’t fully functional, which makes doing certain things difficult. Therapy was helping me regain some movement. It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t on my dominant hand. At least I’m mildly ambidextrous.
Thanksgiving is coming up with Christmas on it’s heels. Already the thought of facing these days without Mike and our family makes me want to curl into a ball and weep.
In all honesty…tears fall all the time.
Not all losses this year were due to the fire, long time sidekick and first tiny dog, Izella, was let free of this realm May 23rd. Thankfully, she let go of this life while wrapped in my arms and being covered with kisses. To lose another without me there to provide love and comfort to the end, was absolutely unthinkable. Life is not the same without her. I am grateful for our wonderful 14 years together.
An uncle passed in July; an aunt in August. Both will be greatly missed.
A summary of losses: People 3 – Dogs 5 – Birds 220+ – Home – Store – Job – Health Insurance
It has been a very hard year.