Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is 

a place called the Rainbow Bridge. 

"When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals 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 time gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing - they miss someone very special who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together."

Written by Darla Fonseca

Many of us has experienced the passing of a beloved feathered friend, or one with fur or of flesh. They will live on in our hearts until we inevitably join them.

If there's one thing for you to take away from this, please, spoil your birds, spoil your loved ones that exist in the here and now. 

No one goes to work thinking they're going to get into a car accident. Life can end so suddenly.  A bird can pass suddenly of something so simple as a night terror, or an unforeseen seizure. They can pass after a long battle with an untreatable illness. You can never know.

When the time comes, and you know it will, you can say "I loved the fluff out of them." 

In the end that's all you can do. 

No regrets. Only happy memories.

Here's more literature that may help with your pain:

“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 crowd life’s lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love - not think this labor 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 we’ll run.

We’ll shower him with tenderness and love while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay.

And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned,
We’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.

I'm Still Here
Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!
~Author Unknown