Did you know that Piper’s middle name is “Phoenix?” Six years old when he adopted my husband and me, Piper already had his first name, but we had the opportunity to give him a middle name, one that would sit between his history (Piper) and his future (our last name), tying us together.
My mom had died in June of 2012. We were beyond close. She was sick for over two months before she was gone, the entirety of that time I knew this was the end.
A few months later, the thought that I now had so much extra love to give to a feathered soul who needed it was ever-present. We had had a cockatiel, Cato, middle name “Aladdin,” for fifteen years. He had passed away five years prior. I finally felt ready to open my heart and home to someone new. I assure you it was not an impulse decision, there is nothing worse than bringing a feathered or furry being into your life on a whim.
After multiple trips to A Helping Wing Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary in Blairstown, New Jersey, Piper chose us. As we prepared to bring him home, I began to consider options for his middle name. Immediately, “Phoenix” came to mind; Piper would rise from the ashes of my grief of losing Mom. I realized that this was a lot of pressure to put on a small parrot, but it was not that I expected anything of him, I was the one with extra love in my heart to give away to a little bird.
I am thankful for Piper everyday, but it is after his weekly shower, when he looks remarkably like a Phoenix bird, that I am reminded of our origin story. I think of my mom and how much she would have loved Piper. Then I understand that she does. How else would Piper and I have found each other?
For the full Piper & Me: A Love Story, click on the links below.
Part 1-3
Part 4-5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 9.5
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
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