They’re some of the world’s smartest birds. They can learn to do complicated tasks, share wonderful memory skills, and even communicate with you in human words. They can have the vocabulary of a child, and I thought it would be amazing to have a pet that I could actually talk to in my own words. I find birds fascinating and wanted to learn what a talking parrot could teach me.
I looked up bird rescues in my area. The closest spot was about a 2-hour drive from where I lived. I drove up to the rescue, hoping to volunteer for a day, meet some animals, and see what kind of big exotic parrots they had. They were wonderful when I got there, giving me a tour and showing me what loving people they were. It was just a couple who had a huge passion for saving animals and had started this most wonderful shelter. I could feel how full of love it was.
Is this experience a mirror of what eternity could be like for me? – Ron Stegman
Most of the birds there were parakeets and cockatiels, pet store animals that got purchased for $25, while people have no idea how to care for them, for the most part. When people realize, “Hey, birds are really loud and messy,” and ‘NO’ is certainly never part of their vocabulary, they get sent to a shelter like this one. Another problem is hoarding. People who have good intentions of “saving” these animals will get cages full and then can’t take care of them all. They get confiscated, and shelters get sent a huge bunch of birds. The shelter has to feed them, care for them, and heal their physical and emotional wounds.
There was one such cockatiel in the bunny barn, in a cage alone, while most were caged in groups. He was missing one eye and had a definitive twinkle in the other. His name was Uno, and they told me what a joy he was to everyone…
About the Author
Ron holds a Master of Divinity from St. Paul Seminary and a Master of Guidance and Counseling from Xavier University. His previous works include Family Memories and Families.
More than a teacher, Ron has been a storyteller, a builder, and a guide — someone who created spaces, both literally and figuratively, where people could slow down, connect, and discover something true about themselves.
He and his wife Michele built a log home by hand in the Indiana countryside, where thousands of students, friends, and seekers have gathered over the years around the fireplace to share stories and find rest.
