For several months, our family has been storing a deceased parakeet in our freezer. Tucked away in a dryer sheet, she resides next to our tub of vanilla ice cream and a bag of frozen corn. Each time I reach for ice, I can’t help but contemplate how to say farewell to her in a fitting manner.
It all began one fateful afternoon when my son discovered Bella lying motionless at the bottom of her cage. With her vacant gaze, I knew that image would linger in my children’s minds for years to come. Speculation abounds regarding her demise, with the family cat suspected of causing her untimely fate. Only our dog witnessed the incident, and she’s keeping her lips sealed.
Since that somber day, our family has relocated to a new home. Naturally, Bella moved with us in the freezer. Now that we’re settling in, I feel it’s time to give her a proper send-off. Explaining to guests why there’s a frozen bird in our freezer is becoming increasingly awkward.
Finding a dignified way to memorialize our pet is a challenge, especially with my penchant for dark humor. However, I recognized the importance of understanding the stages of grief before making any plans. I also explored how children process the loss of a pet, and I could hear the sorrow in my kids’ voices as they recounted stories of Bella. It was crucial for me to maintain my composure while they navigated their feelings, as this experience was an essential lesson in coping with loss.
Next, I began organizing a grand “Celebration of Life” for Bella. My children needed closure, but if I’m honest, it was more about reclaiming space in my freezer. Initially, I considered holding a Shiva, but with our furniture packed away during the move, that plan fell through. I even consulted a volunteer firefighter about a Viking funeral, only to learn it was illegal. A more traditional ceremony with a friend delivering a eulogy was proposed, but he suggested that quoting Monty Python in an English accent would be more fitting. Ultimately, I envisioned a fiery send-off complete with fireworks, but our homeowners’ association vetoed that idea.
Finally, the moment arrived to lay Bella to rest. I insisted on having a quorum, which was easily achieved during our Super Bowl gathering. All I needed was the right time to usher everyone outside for a moment of silence.
Digging a hole in winter with just a trowel presented challenges, particularly when it came to cutting through the previous owners’ weed control barrier. Just as time was running out, a perceptive friend raised a toast, another began humming “Taps,” and someone offered heartfelt words. Miraculously, we made it back inside just in time to refill our plates and catch the halftime show.
My children will undoubtedly remember the funeral that coincided with chili, wings, and adults passionately cheering at the TV. I felt a wave of relief as I watched my son wipe away a few tears before cheering enthusiastically for the second half.
Recently, I caved in at the pet store when my children pleaded for a new parakeet. “Charlie can never replace Bella,” I told them when we brought home the new bird. Yet, deep down, I was reminding myself. Their first encounter with death was a rite of passage, and they handled it with compassion and grace that would bring tears to any mother’s eyes at a pet funeral.
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Summary:
This article chronicles a family’s journey through grief after the loss of their beloved parakeet, Bella. It highlights the importance of closure, the challenges of saying goodbye, and the humorous yet heartfelt ways they honored their pet. Through this experience, the children learned valuable lessons about compassion and coping with loss.