Our bird Jack, the parakeet has died right before the New Year. James received a phone call from neighbor Alex who took care of our pets when we visit the relatives in Connecticut.  “We know the bird means a lot to you, we put the bird in a box”.  Alex’s wife Anna wrapped Jack in red velvet inside a fancy cigar box and put it in our freezer.

Jack was very good to us, he made peace with our cat, sang with the area birds, entertained us with his bird talks. We would bring the bird cage out so Jack could enjoy nice weather and would let him practice flying inside the house from time to time.  Jack adored James and had learned his whistle.  Since no one saw Jack’s death, his death comes with a void which must be filled with many memories so we can connect to the bird anytime we want.

What if we had actually witness the death? Does that make our life more real? Or if we turn away from it, only look into the future, will this make us happier, more hopeful?   I thought about my aging parents. My fear of receiving a phone call of their death is tremendously real; however, I would really want to stay with my parents on their last days and would like to be part of their final life.  Although love and memory can fill the void of death, I would want to witness the death.

This holiday season is all about the future: the future for the young and the old and especially for each family.  There is no room for the void and emptiness.  For me, the 2012 winter family gathering marks a fantastic note that is joyful and exciting.  The family story continues:  the summer family reunion party really kicks everyone’s bud for an awesome time, until then, we appreciate the time to see each other and love each other.

Finally, to build a holiday spirit, young and not very young of us built an ice bridge to celebrate the New Year! After all, the bird has died, the music is still on and the bridge is up!