Weekend Assignment #38

Dufus, the Christmas Conure

 

As you know well, Dufus was a special conure right from birth.  His parents fed him well, but kept watching him in the nest.  His brothers and sisters feathered up just as lovely, but there was something about Dufus’ eyes.  He seemed to be staring right into your soul. 

 

He hatched a mere 3 months before Christmas so he was well ready for purchase when the time came for special gifts.  He didn’t have his name yet, but all the other birdlets were already keeping an eye on him.  There was kind of a jealousy going on in the aviary.  Parent birds had been separated out and now each bird was taken into someone’s hands for feeding and socializing.  It seemed they took Dufus out more often than any.

 

The owners of the aviary always seemed to have Dufus out of the cages when people came to look.  Bird by bird, all the babies got homes.  The cockatiel babies went in pairs and singles, the conures, the greys nearly every bird was chosen.  Still Dufus waited.  He felt alone.  And Dufus knew he would be a good pet.  Apparently the Andersons thought so, too, for they kept him hidden until the last.  Then they raised the price.

 

As people came to the aviary now, they would see Dufus in all his splendor.  Bright red-orange forehead fading into that luscious yellow and darkest green wing-tips and tail.  He studied each person with an intensity that was unnerving.  It was like he was choosing his people. 

 

On Christmas Eve, the door opened for the umpteenth time.  In walked a small family.  The littlest girl seemed so sad.  Her brothers and sister were jumping up and down and pointing at birds.  “That one!”  “The one with the top-knot!”  The parents asked for the prices.  As the tiny girl walked up, Dufus flew close and began to flutter his wings and dip his head.  The girl smiled.

 

“Look honey, she’s smiling!”  the mother exclaimed. 

 

“That’s the bird, then and no other,” said the father.  The boys groaned in disappointment and the other girl pouted.  There was joy on Amber’s face.

 

“How much for this bird?” the father asked. 

 

“He goes for $700.00,” said Mr. Anderson.  All the faces dropped.  $700.00!!  How could they pay that?  Dufus began to squawk.  Loudly.  His wings fluttered and his eyes were bright.  He flew to the top and back again to where Amber’s tearful eyes were trained. 

 

“A parakeet, then,” said the mother.  “We’ll take a blue one with white forehead.” 

 

They chose a cage and food and packed up to leave.  Amber was inconsolable.  Her tears flowed like silent rivers down her cheeks.  She made no sound.  She never made a sound.  She was locked in a world of her own.  She understood, but couldn’t talk.  The doctors called it autism because they had never found a physical cause for her silence and her sadness.

 

On the way home, they took the kids to see Santa.  Amber sat on his lap and looked pleadingly into his eyes.  Santa squirmed.  How could he answer this little girl?  Finally he said gently, “Santa knows your heart,” and she smiled again for only the second time in weeks.  Sliding off his lap, she walked up to her mom and took her hand,a sign that she was ready to go.

 

Of course the mall Santa had just been kind.  He didn’t believe there was a Santa for anyone.  For him it was a job.  But as he took off his Santa suit for the last time that year, he said a prayer.  “God, whatever that little girl wants, help her.”  And he hung up his suit and went home.

 

Santa was readying his sleigh when an angel appeared to him.  “You’ve forgotten a child.  A little girl named Amber.”

 

I can’t even see her thoughts and can’t imagine what she might want,” Santa replied.  “Anyway, why is it that you have come to me?” 

 

“Because one of yours said a prayer for her.”

 

Santa was saddened, but didn’t know what to do.  He finished loading and gave the command to the reindeer.  Off they flew.  In the wrong direction!  Santa cracked his whip and tried to turn the sleigh, but the lead reindeer wouldn’t budge.  They seemed to be listening to something or someone else’s commands.  When they landed near the aviary, Santa was more confused than ever.  He entered and a small red and yellow bird flew close, looking him straight in the eyes.

 

“Yes, yes, I understand,” said Santa and left a tidy sum on the counter for the bird, a cage and food.  Is it possible that Dufus smiled?  Santa smiled when Dufus told him the name he wanted.  Soon all were in the air.  Ready to make Christmas special for a little girl.

 

If this were the end of the story, it needn’t be told.  But it was just the beginning.  A little prayer, a magical bird and Santa, who loves us almost as much as God does, unlocked the cage that little Amber was in.  I know.  Dufus is my bird.

 

Dufus' Song:   (to Rudolph)

 

Dufus the Christmas Conure

Had a very bright insight

He knew who was his person

And came to her on Christmas night.

 

Now he's opened up the door

To her heart and mind

Lot's of love he gives to her

And baby, he's so kind.