Tookey was the faithful companion of Ookey
for three years. They were both raised together
as babies. Then in late June 2006, Tookey became sick,
and died a few days later on July 1st.

Tookey's death made me realize that taking
care of these birds meant more than seeds,
and water. They need veggies, fruits, and
lots of love.

Tookey's sudden passing was also a stark
reminder for me that life is precious, and
as living organisms, we too could succumb to
disease, and death at any time. It was a reminder
to appreciate life, to cherish it. Things that I
thought I knew, that people think they know, but
don't really know until someone very close to them
passes away. I've had many relatives pass away in
recent years, but did not feel the effect as greatly,
perhaps because I did not see them on a daily basis.
The impact of one little bird's death had a profound
effect on my outlook on life. This was the message
I heard, and did not ignore.