My precious, sweet Marco, I thought we had at least a few more years together.  But I guess God had other plans for you.  I would have thought He had enough stars in the sky and birds to sing with His angels, but I guess He needed you.  I think of this poem and I try to thank God for all the precious memories I have of you.

*****

"I'll lend you, for a little while, a bird of mine," He said
"For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or maybe twenty-three.
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, as all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crown life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, not think this labour vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call, to take him back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done."
For all the joy this bird shall bring, the risk of grief I'll run.
I'll shower him with tenderness and love while I may,
And for the happiness I've known, forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him much sooner than I planned,
I'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by your love, you've managed, my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him you've loved, be thankful; do not grieve.
Cherish every moment of your feathered charge.
He filled your home with songs of joy the time he was alive.
Let not his passing take from you those memories to enjoy.
I will lend to you, a Bird, God said, and teach you all you have to do.
and when I call him back to heaven, you will know he loved you too.

-Author Unknown-

*****

You taught me to love all birds again, Marco.  You brought love and laughter into our home.  You brought us together with all your cute antics.  I will forever cherish all the cute, smart and precious things you did.  There are far too many to mention here.  I need to remember not to mourn your death, but to rejoice in the time we had you.  Fly free, my precious, beautiful Marco.  You are truly a star in the night sky.