"Using Middle America as her muse, Kowch draws the history of a particular place -- invariably rural -- to the surface as it collides with a new reality in layers of metaphor and moodiness. The faces of her women may remind you of characters in a Tim Burton film."
--Steve Parks, Newsday

Sunday, October 28, 2007

We Love You, Kiwi














This week has been, by far, one of the hardest weeks for me. Our little Kiwi - a.k.a "Chi-Chi," to those of us who knew him - passed away this Tuesday after battling a tumor for the past few months. He was the sweetest, smartest, most affectionate little thing I'll ever know, and will forever be one of the most special things that has ever happened to me.

Kiwi came to us a little over five years ago, in August of '02. That month, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly a week short of her 64th birthday. She always loved Punky, my cockatiel, who was the only pet at the time. On her birthday, I was outside when I looked up at the roof and saw Kiwi sitting with his little face peering down at me. I lifted my hand up to him, said "Up, boy" and he just hopped on without a care! Luckily I had a small, unused cage lying around, and got him comfortable enough to go in. He had been my little sunshine ever since. We never knew how old Kiwi really was, but by the way he knew how to do things, talk, and the way he'd always watch over my other two birds like a little daddy, always brought me to the conclusion that he was already a mature, wise little guy when I found him.

Kiwi, my little man, you were a tough fighter to the very end. Playing, chatting, and cussing (he knew every word in the book!) everyday. You were our little comedian and everyone's friend. You were my best friend. How you would yell (and swear) at me if I was ever down in the dumps, lifting me up and making me laugh. How you listened, nodded your little head, and answered me everytime we talked. I couldn't pamper you enough, because you deserved every bit of it. I know you loved your time with us, because during all the hours you spent having free reign of the house, you never looked for a way to leave (and you always posed smiling for the camera!). You have always been my little angel, and now you really are. There will never be another like you. You'll always be mine, little muffin. Grandma gave you to me, and now she'll keep you safe. Fly and be free with her, and come visit me again soon. We all miss you, and will love you forever!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a cute, sweet, and pleasant bird Kiwi was. He was always a pleasure to watch and be around. I'm going to miss his adorable little face and personality. He was a good little bird that everyone who knew him will miss.

Anonymous said...

KiWi!!!
He was, and still is, the cutest little bird I've ever seen! It was so cute to hear him talking, and of course, swearing his cute little butt off! :P He'll be missed by not only us, but his fellow bird friend, aka Punky, as well. I'll never forget that time when me, Andrea, and Daphne were in the basement with Kiwi, and we started to laugh because of the funny things he was doing! Many, many good memories :)

Dave Chow Illustrations said...

My deepest sympathies. I've lost far too may critters over the last few years too (old age- not abuse!) so I know how it feels.

They'll never be replaced.

Anonymous said...

In Loving Memory of Little Kiwi...............

Two beautiful eyes, two sweet feet, a precious heart that no one could
beat. You came into our lives and brought us this beautiful gift ...
You.... Kiwi.....at a moment in time when we really needed it. You
gave
us a feeling of hope, love, and tenderness. Kiwi, you were a miracle
sent from heaven!! You provided our family with great calm. You were
our gentle Little Giant! But most of all your unconditional Love will

never be forgotten. You made us smile, you
brought such warmth and tenderness to all of us. I will never forget

you Kiwi. Fly with your beautiful wings in heaven with Grandma, just
fly and smile, and laugh Kiwi. We just all miss you pumpkin.

I Love You Forever and Ever,
Aunt Natalie

Alvin Richard said...

Sorry to hear about the passing of your pet bird. When I was going up, we use to have a bird that looked just like Kiwi. He could not speak a word and was not very social. Kiwi sounded like a very special bird and friend in deed.