My sweet parrot Simon passed away early this morning. I will miss that boy even more than I am able to express in words. I am so grateful for the many years that he was in my life.
I brought him home with me in September 1976 when I was just 22 years old. I had wandered into a local pet store and was casually walking by a cage he was sitting on top of when he suddenly grabbed at my shirt and climbed up onto my shoulder. The pet store employees were all upset and nervous as they were trying to figure out how to safely remove him. He apparently didn't like the guys, and it was the guys that were afraid of him. The next day I went into my local credit union to ask for a loan of $500 to take him home with me. As you can imagine, the loan officer didn't think she heard me quite right and dropped her pen on the desk when I repeated my request. The next day she called and told me to come pick up my check. I immediately called the pet store and asked if they still had the bird named "Buddy," and if so, would they do me a favor and start calling him Simon as I was on my way to pick him up.
I brought him home with me in September 1976 when I was just 22 years old. I had wandered into a local pet store and was casually walking by a cage he was sitting on top of when he suddenly grabbed at my shirt and climbed up onto my shoulder. The pet store employees were all upset and nervous as they were trying to figure out how to safely remove him. He apparently didn't like the guys, and it was the guys that were afraid of him. The next day I went into my local credit union to ask for a loan of $500 to take him home with me. As you can imagine, the loan officer didn't think she heard me quite right and dropped her pen on the desk when I repeated my request. The next day she called and told me to come pick up my check. I immediately called the pet store and asked if they still had the bird named "Buddy," and if so, would they do me a favor and start calling him Simon as I was on my way to pick him up.
Me and Simon during our younger years.
Goodbye my sweet bud. Thank you for all the love you gave me. I know you're with Grandpa right now eating peanuts out of his hand once again. You know my love for you will never end.
Lili, I am so very sorry about Simon. Losing a dear friend like this is painful. Hugs to you!!
ReplyDeleteOh Lili dear,
ReplyDeleteI have been missing you and I am so sorry for your loss. I totally understand how intertwined your lives have been for so many years. What a great, rich life you gave Simon. What a great, rich life Simon gave you.
The photo of you as a young'un with Simon on your shoulder is a treasure. I love it.
Sending a hug and a warm casserole across the miles.
Lovingly,
Sharon
My dear friend-
ReplyDeleteI have not checked my blog list in a while -- and fate brought me to this post right now. I am so so sorry -- so saddened for your loss and so very sorry for your broken heart and the empty space that is there now. Only those of us who have loved pets as though they were family (because they are~~) would truly understand.
I have missed you being here so much -- but I am so sorry that you have had to come back and share with us all this heart wrenching news.
I'm sending you love and hugs and keeping you in my prayers. I think we will all miss Simon -- you have shared some great stories about him over the years --
Love you,
Vicki
I am so very sorry Lili. It is so difficult to lose our companions, they give us so much love and ask for nothing in return. Looks like Simon lead a very good life, happy and well loved. Just as he loved you. take care my friend and take some time to heal.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lili. Simon was a beautiful bird who truly loved you. It was kismet with you and him and I am so glad to have met him last summer. And that he accepted me!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful memories you have now and what a good long life he lived. xoxo So sad for you.
I was happy to see your blog name pop up in my reader then I re-read your post title. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your long time buddy, Simon. He seems like a wonderful pet - thanks for sharing the loan story. I wish you peace and good memories.
ReplyDeleteLily, I check your blog often
ReplyDeleteand have been praying that
all was well. So it was with
great sadness that I saw this
on my blog roll. Be gentle
with yourself, sweet friend.
You gave Simon such great
love.....I remember all the posts
where he hit the road with
you and your hubby. How
many pet parents would do
that?
Sending you my love from
Minnesota.
xo Suzanne
I'm so sorry for you loss, Lili. He was your little buddy for so long, longer than most people keep friends! I'm glad he was such a joy in your life, and that you made his life joyful, too. He was a lucky little guy to have picked you!
ReplyDeleteOh my... so sorry to hear this sad news of the passing of your dear Simon!
ReplyDeleteI love that you took out a loan to be able to have him in your life and you in his. That's sooo wonderful.
Sending a hug your way today and thinking of you.... xox
I am so sorry to hear this Lili!!!
ReplyDelete{{HUGS}}
Teri
Oh Lili, I am so terribly sorry. Please take care.
ReplyDeleteLisa
so so sorry Lili......it's like losing a part of your family. my heart breaks for you....
ReplyDeletexo
Polly
Oh Lili, I'm so sorry to hear about Simon. These little creatures bring us so much happiness. My pets are family to me and I know to you and Henry as well. You've been missed in blogland kiddo. God Bless Simon:O) xo
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss ... this was a loving tribute to Simon
ReplyDeleteI was happy to see your blog pop up on my list, but I'm sad it was for this reason Lili. Thinking of you as you mourn a good companion - our pets steal our hearts but give us so much in return.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Lili. This is such a difficult thing to go through, but something we pet owners sign onto when we take them home. I know he was your very good friend, and it hurts to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you today.
Lili,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Simon.
I love the picture of the two of you
when you first started your journey
together and I love the story of the
loan! What a beautiful tribute of love
and true friendship. My sympathy, Linda
Lili I was so excited to see that you had a new post up, but that quickly changed as I began to read the contents. I am so very sorry for your loss and I know that Simon had the best of all possible lives living with you and Henri. He knew that he would have an ideal life too, which is why he picked you that day so many years ago!
ReplyDeletexo Kat
Such happiness when we have pets - so sorrowful when we have to part. I know you will remember the fun and joy as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteDear friend,
ReplyDeletePlease accept my heartfelt condolences. I also know what it is like to lose a beloved friend...
I have no idea what your age is at present, but I am sure that Simon must have been with you for a long time already.
When my pet dachshund passed away, I was also heartbroken. Having a new pet is never a replacement. Nobody can ever take the place of a beloved pet.
I know many theologians will not agree with me, but I firmly believe that my pets are alive in heaven and will be waiting for me when I get there someday.
Keeping you close,
Lidia
Lili, Simon was such a faithful and long time companion. So many years, so that is a big empty spot, I know.
ReplyDeleteHugs from California.
This is a beautiful "love story"!! His soul lives on forever!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Pets hold such a sacred place in our lives and hearts. Obviously you loved him an took good care of him, and that's a blessing all the way around. HUGS to you!
ReplyDeleteoh lili, so sorry about your longtime companion! xo susan
ReplyDeleteLili,
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear about Simons passing. The pictures of you and Simon are a beautiful memorial.
Oh, Lili - I don't know how I missed this touching post, but I am so very sorry, my friend. Just know that there's another little angel that is watching over you each day. ♥ I pray that you are finding comfort as each day dawns... Sending hugs and love.
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
Sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pet, they sure do add lots of joy into our lives
ReplyDeleteTaking time to catch up here and am so sorry to hear that your dear Simon has passed. Thank goodness you were in that pet store 36 years ago. That was joy for both of you.
ReplyDeleteLilly, I haven't been blogging much lately so I just saw your post today. I am so sorry about Simon's loss. I do love the love at first sight story and it always amazes me how certain animals can bond with us immediately and make us love them a bit more each day. There is consolation in that you and your feathery friend had a lifetime together. Sending a big hug.
ReplyDeleteMaria
http://oliveandwhite.blogspot.com
Lili, I am long overdue to visit your blog and now to come by to visit and see that your beloved Simon has passed away saddens me. I have two parakeets and I know how much you must have loved your parrot as I love my birds. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteCarla