I am thankful for the privilege to have known and loved Birdlady. My broken heart has seemed to warm with the knowledge that she loved me in return and drew me into her embrace of friendship, a gift she extended to all. Thank you my friend.

I have shed many tears since her death. A selfish longing for her to stay here with us. I miss you. And I have also laughed through my tears recalling some of the fun times we shared -- Lord how I have laughed. Birdlady was quite a character. Her impulsive and outspoken nature often made me laugh until my sides hurt. A wonderful laugh, you know, from deep down inside. I wonder now if she knew how much joy she spread. We love you so much. She would have to know, though she possessed a certain girlish innocence. A very modest and unassuming person indeed.

I think all who knew her admired her direct and honest nature. And she was always there for anyone in need. Birdlady could be counted on to do more than her part in every commitment. She was never too busy, too tired, or too ill to help others. Rest now dear Birdlady. Birdlady had her hands in just about everything at the Garden. She was the Committee Leader for the Recruiting Committee, Assistant Leader for the Ringwatchers Committee, a member of the Membership Pride Committee and a Juror on the Grievance Committee. (And also unofficial Ambassador of Good Will on all the chat lists.)

When Birdlady first wrote to me requesting to join the Grievance Committee, I took a great deal of time in my consideration. I was concerned that her good nature and popularity among fellow members would make the sometimes unpleasant business painful for her. I was wrong. Birdlady could be a rascal when she got her feathers ruffled! Her sense of responsibility and commitment were valued assets to the Committee and she will be terribly missed there as well.

As I reflected today about our dear friend I was drawn to visit the website she lovingly made. Her site reflects a love of God, her family, her friends, her Country, birds and animals, faeries, inspirational writings and humor. You nut!!! It was sad yet comforting to be among the things she loved. As I was looking through her pages with tears streaming down my face my attention was drawn to an adoption she had been given of an ice cream cone cookie from Gramma Hugs website. Everyone on the internet with a website has both sent and received one of the infamous cookies from Gramma Hugs. As I looked closely at the adoption though, I noticed that it was from Gramma Mimi herself!!! The owner of the infamous Gramma Hugs website!!! Once again I found myself laughing and admiring a woman who apparently spent so much time at Gramma Hugs sending gifts that she struck up a friendship with her. Is anyone surprised? I am not surprised. This is the type of person Birdlady was. She spread her wings wide and far making friends.

God has now chosen our beloved Birdlady to soar with the Angels and Cardinals she loved so much. Another Garden Angel among us. We wish you peace and comfort in the arms of the Lord.

Richelle McCall