Our Cockatiel of 7 years died yesterday in my arms

Question:
 I think maybe a person may need to be a bird lover in order to truly appreciate the grief that can come when the family feathered friend passes away. (Other people seem to act like you are completly nuts to mourn the passing of "a bird"!!!!) It would be really nice to contact another Cockatiel /Bird owner ( or another owner of another special pet) with a similar situation of loss and how they handled it, esp. with their kids. Any helpful ideas to help me and my boys would be welcomed with open arms. Our "Griffey" was our male Grey, of 7 yrs. His personality/crazy antics/acoustic talents, and bonding he developed with us for all these years have been amazing and wonderful, and now, bittersweet. To make a longer story shorter, he died in my hands/arms last night. I knew it was probably iminent as of 2 days ago. I told my children that he was sick and may well not make it another day. They sadly (of course!) said their peace/good-byes to him while they had the chance. I felt that was important. My husband thought I was being a little too dramatic and thought Griffey would be either fine in a few days, or his illness could "go on for days" (as if ! its a bird, not a cat or dog!) I told him I really hoped I was wrong. Unfortunatley, I wasn't. I am not a Vet, but I am an RN of 17 yrs; the physical symptoms (which I need not go into) and his rapid decline in general functions /demeanor were obvious indicators to me that his organs were quickly shutting down. My 11 yr. old had bonded with Griffey as much as I over the last 7 yrs; He said tonight "I feel like I lost one of my best friends." It is true. So do I. And we did. We are going to bury our friend in our backyard with his favorite toys tomorrow, and try and celebrate the good memories. I am sure Kleenex will surely be there in bulk. Any advice from anyone who understands this kind of relationship/loss of a loved bird or other pet is welcomed. It would be soo wonderful to chat with someone with a similar loss and understanding, that has successfully gone through this with a decent, as well as can be expected outcome. It has been pretty traumatic--actually even surprisingly so. We are Christian-centered, but right now I don't seem to have any answers that make a difference to my boys. Thank-you, Sincerely, Lisa
Answer:
 i just wanted to say i read your post and totally sympathize and understand how heartbreaking it is to lose a pet, whether it is a bird, dog, cat, or any other creature you loved and cared about for so long. all of us who own pets know that we likely will outlive them and experience such heartbreak when they pass, it's just a fact of life. i don't mean to sound cliche, but i truly believe the best thing for you and your boys is to adopt another bird or pet. there are so many in need of a home. it's won't replace your beloved "griffey" in your heart, but will help to fill the void and help some other animal who may so desperately just be in need of a good home. best wishes. -poo
Answer:
 I completely understand where you are coming from. A few years ago I lost my lovebird of 13 years and it was devastating. I nearly lost my mind because it was the first time I ever dealt with the death of something I loved. She had so much personality and she loved me so much! People actually had the nerve to make fun of me or laugh when I told them my bird died - something that would never happen if you lost a cat or a dog. I don't have any advice for you - the hurt will be hard for a long time and it will be hard to find people in your everyday life that understand. I still think about my baby bird all the time. I really hope things get easier for you and please know that bird lovers everywhere understand what you are feeling. I am sorry for your loss.