(This is a post about the loss of a pet, so you don't have to read this if such things bother you.)

I bear the burden and great sadness of the loss of a very dear, close friend today. My very first parakeet, Starlight, passed away last night while at the vet's receiving treatment for a very serious respiratory infection. She had been fighting it for two weeks with antibiotics but in the end she just wasn't strong enough.

As much as I might want to mourn her passing, I feel it is better to celebrate a life than to wallow in the pain such a loss inevitably brings forth. While the most dazzlingly brilliant light in my life has been snuffed out and has made everything else quite noticeably dimmer, it is that light itself of which I am compelled to speak.

Starlight, you are awesome. That little young bird who came into my life seven years ago and stole away the heart of a guarded old man. The being I was reluctant to meet only had to sit beside me at my computer once before melting this stony heart. So curious and so content to just be near someone for the companionship.

Starlight, my best friend. Even after you decided my shoulder was no longer interesting to perch on, even after you grew up, you never lost my unconditional love. Your personality was one of a kind. Fearless. Unstoppable. And what a sense of humor! She always liked people, too. She loved to chirp a hearty good morning to me the minute she'd see me, every day.

Starlight, my daughter. I may never have children but you were like my child and always will be. I am very sad and will miss you always. You should have outlived me by strides, yet because I am here still, I shall strive -- no matter how dark and difficult the path -- to honor your existence because of the wondrous journey we shared. To carry onward and experience the life you didn't have the chance to complete.

Starlito. Rest now. Ring every bell and chime one last time for me. Chuckle. Make that running water sound. Say "sweet birdie." And "what're you doing?" We will meet again one day when I am a more enlightened being. Will you walk or shall I fly?

Good night, Starlight.