18 Comments
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Phoebe's avatar

You and your bird(s) and your words 💖

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Meryl Rowlands's avatar

Epic story and so well told 🙏🏻

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Alissa Mears's avatar

thank you for all your keen advice, Meryl. Grateful for you.

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Catalina Muñoz's avatar

This made me tear up, Alissa. So glad Charlie's back home

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Alissa Mears's avatar

Thank you, Catalina! That means so much❤️

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Dekera Greene Rodriguez's avatar

I'm so glad you all found her!

I truly love your writing. My breath was appropriately bated throughout.

This was timely for me, as my 9-year old is increasingly interested in birds, and gave me an illuminating lesson on the family corvidae and how intelligent magpies, jays, crows, ravens, etc. are. He has been angling for a dog for years, but recently let me know that he'll "settle" for a bird. Once we got beyond the "crows aren't pets" conversation, he has me thinking about the possibility of a bird for them.

My mom got my brother and I a parakeet, Coco, when my brother was around 6 or 7. All I remember, as the older sister 8 years his senior, is pouring seed and cleaning bird shit.

While I think I'll give myself at least a couple more years to sit with the possibility, your story reminded me of the possibility and opportunity our kids get to share their love with other beings when we decide to expand our families. As terrifying as loss is, the love is pretty damn special.

Thank you for sharing.

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Alissa Mears's avatar

100% agree: I'm a firm believer that multiple species should cohabitate and learn from and about one another. If you ever want to talk cockatiels, just let me know. Although it sounds like your 9-year-old may know way more than I do: I think young birders are probably the most sophisticated people in this world.

Also, your kind words mean more than I can say with child pick up and a headache looming, Dekera, but let me say this: I would absolutely love a collaboration with you at some point if you're ever interested. It would be my honor.

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Dekera Greene Rodriguez's avatar

<3 I would love this! I'll message you. It would definitely be an honor for me as well.

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Janet Cooper Nelson's avatar

Welcome home Charlie! Deeply grateful for every story of just-in-time rescue. I can only imagine Charlie’s homecoming! Maybe future travel will lose its allure for Charlie?

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Alissa Mears's avatar

Janet, it was pure euphoria, delight. I think Ben still worries she may be an interloper because her survival felt so impossible.

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Janet Cooper Nelson's avatar

But not likely an imposter would know the Addams family theme song— surely an amazing confirmation of a cosmos that includes rescue and compassion. ♥️

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James Bailey's avatar

Alissa, such a captivating story! I was in suspense and emotionally invested the whole time. 👏 The picture of your husband, AND the reference to John Cuzak in Say Anything was a double bonus! 🙌

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Alissa Mears's avatar

Thanks, James! I will work John Cusack into everything I can. The love of my young adulthood for sure.

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James Bailey's avatar

High Fidelity, huh. Great movie too. Hard to believe it had Tim Robbins, Jack Black, sister Joan, and Catherine Zeta Jones in it.

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Becky Isjwara's avatar

The tension! The drama! The buildup! Glad that Charlie is back 💙

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Alissa Mears's avatar

Grateful for YOU.

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Zaish's avatar

Yeah! An amazing and well told story

https://naturefever.com

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Jan 9, 2024
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Alissa Mears's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Jen! So glad you liked it.

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