My Dear Hansi,

I remember so long ago, the day we first met, 26 years ago.
I was 19... just a silly kid in love, and you were just a cute yellow bird.
How wrong I was.

I suppose what you remember of me were family get-togethers, holidays... my face pressed briefly against the bars of your cage in greeting,
but my ears always filled with your song.

So much time passed, and our paths didn't cross that often.
So many things changed for me, but your life rarely did.
Still... you sang.

One day the singing stopped,
and that day you became a part of my life
in more ways than you will ever know.
I cared for you each day in the best way I knew how,
and in return you taught me strength through acceptance.
You accepted my hand wrapped around your little body.
You accepted food from that hand.
You embraced trust and placed your trust in me.
You amazed me every day and filled my moments with awe.

Today I found you at peace.
Tomorrow and every day after will be a little emptier
for those of us left behind.
You were family.

Rest well Little Poop...
your many years have ended but your song will never be forgotten.

With love,
The Woodlands