Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When a bird dies that has been especially close to someone here, that bird goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and trees for all of our special friends so they can flock and forage together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the birds who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The birds are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all fly and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers and his wings start to flap. Suddenly he begins to fly from the group, soaring over trees and green grass, his wings carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The soft feathers nestle next to your neck; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your bird, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...
Original author unknown, avian adaptations by Beth Anne Quinlan.
2 Comments
Milo Jasper
When a bird dies that has been especially close to someone here, that bird goes to Rainbow Bridge.
Pat Terzakis
I was so glad to find the avian version of the Rainbow Bridge devoted to pet birds, as most are usually dedicated to cats and dogs. We just lost the 2nd of two of our parakeets on March 9th of this year. He died of kidney failure. Taki was sixteen years old. Sophie died of cancer back in October 2019 when he was twelve years old. These were the first birds I ever had the pleasure of having as pets. My son bought them for me as a birthday gift back in 2008 when they were just a few months old. Generally parakeets live between 12-15 years. I always joked that I took better care of them than myself. I changed their cage twice daily, they had regular wellness visits as well as sick/injured visits to their avian vets who took very good care of them. They even took car trips with us when they were younger up to Oregon to see family who also had parakeets. My husband helped me with them at times as well. And when weather permitted I took them out in our backyard to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. So when our second one died, I more or less knew his time was short yet it still hit me very hard. Just seeing his cage and all of his things along with his medications was overwhelming at times. Even though it hurt losing both of my feathered babies I don't regret loving them. RIP my babies and I look forward to seeing you both again one day.
Birdie Beth Anne
What a beautiful tribute to those special birds that shared their lives with you! Thank you so much for sharing!