SRSeedBurners Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 (edited) When I was 19 (I'm 49 now) I bought my first parrot, an African Grey. There has always been something about the Greys that has drawn me (conures too). We named hrm (him/her) Odie and always called hrm Odie Podie. I only lived with Odie for a very short time, 4-5 years, as by 24, my then wife was filing divorce papers and I was given the boot. My ex-wife held onto my birds for a while, losing my conure outdoors I assume (I absolutely loved that bird) and then eventually giving Odie and Tigger (my Amazon) to my aunt that lives where I grew up in northern New Mexico. Thankfully I am still able to connect with Odie although I haven't done a good job of getting there regularly. The last time I saw Odie was in 2009, the last time I went to see my parents. That was the first time since 1994 that I had seen Odie. She recognized me after I started talking to her the way I used to. My Aunt could even tell that Odie knew who I was. This time around, it took Odie a little while longer to figure out who I was but she recognized me again. My aunt had her out in a garden cage (my aunt basically has a garden of eden in the desert) and we went over to see her. She wouldn't step up on my arm at first but eventually did but was cautious. I started talking to her like I used to and it wasn't long before she asked to climb up my arm onto my shoulder. I let her get on my shoulder and she turned her head and started rubbing my cheek exactly the same way GreycieMae does. It was heart-wrenching for me. I'm not one to cry but the rest of that day it's all I could think about and force myself to hold back the tears because I wasn't about to cry over a bird around my parents and brother. My aunt saw how Odie was acting with me again and took a moment to come over and tell me that she has given instruction when she passes that they (her husband and son) are to give Odie to me so she has a good place to live. That was very comforting. My aunt is 85 and getting frail so I'm assuming some day in the near future, I'll be headed back to New Mexico to gather up Odie and bring her home. She's in terrible shape to my eyes. I've showed these pics to my ex and she says she actually doesn't look too bad considering. My aunt said that when Tigger died back in '08/'09 that Odie started plucking and never stopped. So she's now a plucked bird but she'll always be beautiful to me. These first 5 pics of Odie on my aunt's arm and on my arm, you can see Odie is not too sure about this: Look at that face after she realizes who I am! I swear she has a smile going on that beak ❤️ Edited August 13, 2019 by SRSeedBurners 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNCAG Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 Bittersweet -- sad for you to lose your parrots in the first place (divorce is hard, dividing everything up). Also sad that in order to regain Odie, you have to lose a relative and trust others to honour her wishes. Sorry Odie picked out his chest feathers. But his eyes in some shots looked quite bright and alert: happy. Things usually work out somehow, so I'll remain hopeful for you both. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 What a sad story of loss! I thought the same as LNCAG, except for the plucking Odie looks good. What a blessing that your aunt was available to take Odie, who knows where he would have ended up otherwise. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytness Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 I am completely moved and amazed by their incredible long memories! I wish you could have Odie right now, but it sounds like it could be some time very in the very near future. Odie is beautiful, plucked and all! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neoow Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Wow that was an emotional roller-coaster of a post. I can only imagine how you felt when Odie sat on your shoulder and rubbed her beak on you. It's such a shame that Odie couldn't come with you instead of staying with your ex- but at least you know where she is and you will one day be reunited. She is still a very beautiful bird. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray P Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 When it comes to our greys we always want a happy ending. To get back something we loved like a grey is something special. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inara Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 These photos say it all, and melt my heart. ❤️ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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