The outpouring of emotion about Norman has overwhelmed us all.  We are in the process of adding all of your comments to his Memorial Page. Please keep checking back. Thank you.

Dear Julie,  I hurried home tonight to see if there was any word of Norman after his visit to the university.  Have been praying for him nonstop.  Am devastated beyond words to hear that he is gone.  I know you are all crushed by the sadness of your loss. I am so grateful for having had the honor of meeting Norman at TGF last September.  I'll cherish the fond and funny memories of Norman quacking, oinking, meowing and mooing away to everyone's delight! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making sure Norman received the very best medical and nursing care.  No doubt, it was a terribly difficult decision to have Norman undergo anesthesia and an MRI, but you really had no other reasonable choice.  It didn't sound like he had any hope of improving without you and his doctors knowing the full extent of his illness.  It is just too difficult to write any more tonight, so if you'll forgive me,  I will just include the email I sent to TGF yahoogroups:       To Shauna, Allen, Julie and all the other wonderful folks at The Gabriel Foundation:  You'll probably never know how many of us have been praying nonstop for precious Norman...........and are now overwhelmed with grief. Those of us who had the honor of meeting Norman will never forget him.  Words can't express how special he was.  Besides the endearing qualities such as his gentleness, wonderful disposition, large and entertaining vocabulary, etc, there was something intangibly deep and spiritual about Norman.  He was an angel in our midst who touched the hearts of everyone he met.  Our world and lives will not be the same without him.  We are so grateful, however, that "Normie" went very peacefully and that there will be no more illness or discomfort for him. We thank God for EVERYONE at The Gabriel Foundation and for your incredible, selfless devotion to Norman and all of our other feathered friends at TGF.  We hope you are consoled by the knowledge that, because of your tender, loving care, Norman's life with you was truly "heaven on earth."  Now, your new feathered guardian angel can return all of your kindnesses by watching over you. We're sure his sweet, gentle spirit will always be with you.  Our deepest sympathy to everyone.......and thank you again for surrounding Normie with your love. Sincerely,   Cheryl Clark (and my husband, Bud Stephens) in San Diego 

Jools,

We feel your pain, wish I would take it all for you if possible,,,

I know you just talked to Shauna.. I know how you must feel at this time, we are hurting in the Northwest with the loss of a special buddy like Normie. I do want to say "WE LOVE YOU AND ARE HERE FOR YOU".. Norman was so special as we all know that words would not do him justice.. I personally have some of my fondness memories with him as the GREATEST TGF Moscot, what FUN he was always at home and especially on road trips, not to short any of his other birds friends. If you need any thing you know all you have to do is ask.. with that I will close, thinking of all the good times I was able to connect with Norman.. he will truely be missed by soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo many.. LOVE YOU.. Try to think of all the good times with him, yes I know it's hard too do.. Later A

Allen Roberts

Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about the devastating loss of Norman.  Everyone (including me) who had the honor of meeting him knew how special he was.  There are no words anyone can say to lift the weight of your pain - I just wanted you to know I am holding you up in my thoughts.  Your caring and compassion has touched birds and humans all around the world.  I hope you can feel the love you have shared come back and hold you now in it's warm embrace.  Norman's spirit will live on, but his voice will forever be missed...
With love and sympathy,
Micky

Norman's Rainbow Bridge

Whatever it may be this is some of how I picture it for Norman.

He can see again. Which is helpful cause in heaven he's given all the black socks he wants to chase around.

He's often on his walk about...when he isn't flying to and fro...and hanging from the branches upside down and bouncing around...boing, boing.

Lots of people and critters for him to greet with his HELllloooOOoowww then an oink oink which is a his VERY suave intro for his other barnyard sounds. He's added a new one...bad cat and the cats run...what fun! He can call them with meow then have them run. Its better than TIVO!

And don't forget Normie's band...rock'n roll! He always was a cool type Grey.

Course he's still looking for a daily nose rub...not that he needs it since sinuses are clear now but its something he learned to look forward to in his own way. -Shauna Roberts

Julie;

 I have no words of comfort to share...only to say that his bravery and enormous spirit will guide us all.  He is a hero for all time.

 With love/Sharon (Sidell)

Julie,
We are all trying to recover here--I can't imagine what you and the staff are going through. My deepest sympathy...
Matt ( Matt Johnston, DVM, Colorado State University)

Julie, Hilary emailed me this morning about the passing of Norman........I am soo very sorry....words cannot begin to tell you how I am feeling and I only met him once.....he was a very special feathered angel.......

I will be praying for Norman and all of you........

Warmest regards,

Daina Mahone

Normie will be deeply missed.  Meeting Norman, he was instantly charming, and his very existence touched the heart. Thank you  Julie, for the opportunity to meet and spend time with him. 
*hugs*
Kelly  

Dear Julie & all at TGF,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  I feel very fortunate to have met Norman last August.  He was outside in his flight and made a cat sound to get my attention as I turned to move away.

Best wishes as you go forward,

Scott & Kim Yale 

Julie,

My heart goes out to you and your feathered and non-feathered family for the loss of Norman. He was a fantastic survivor who had a profound inspirational effect on everyone who met him. If it is any consolation, he will always be in my lectures as an example of how resilient and joyful these amazing beings can be.

Take care and let me know if I can do anything for you,

Jeleen (Jeleen Briscoe, DVM, University of Pennsylvania Matthew Ryan Veterinary School)

My dear Julie,

My tears are flowing as I write this short note to tell you how sorry I am to hear of Norman's passing.  As you know, he was very special to me and often lifted my spirits when I was working inside the Emma aviary.  I remember what a charmer he was when performing his duties as our official greeter.  He had everyone laughing before they set foot inside the door.  And how the children who visited were captivated by all his animal sounds.  He was a true performer and the most wonderful ambassador for TGF there ever was.  I am forever telling people about Norman when they visit me and ask about my birds and how I came to be such a lover of parrots.  He will live on in all our hearts through our wonderful memories and the stories we will tell.

My heart goes out to you and all the staff.  I look forward to paying tribute to Norman through his memorial fund and hope that soon I can actively pay tribute to him in person.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Coral

Julie:

There is little I can say except to let you know that I understand how profound this loss is and how you, and others, feel.

Although I didn't know Norman personally, it is clear that he was
deeply loved. My sadness is very great ... the Brazilians have a word for it... 'saudade' ... a deep, painful, systemic sadness...

-m-(Mel Raff)

My most sincere condolences are being sent in regard to all of those touched by the loss of Norman.  I was telling my Grey, Casey recently about Norman being sick and he responded with his version of a cry, a very pitiful sounding “Woooo”.  He seems to recognize pictures of other Grey’s and enjoys looking at the pin you sent me recently with Norman’s picture.  This is a very sad occasion, but I’m sure Norman is up in bird heaven sharing all of his wonderful noises and humor with the others and making lots of wonderful new friends.  God bless.

Jennifer L Maldonado

Hi Julie,

I can't believe Norman passed away.  Just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with all of you.

Take care,

Kelly (Barrett-Rephun)

Julie and all,

I am so sorry.

Dr. Kris (Ahlgrim, Goldenview Veterinary Hospital)

Julie,

Thank you for calling me to let me know about Norman.  It was terribly sad news, of course, but I was touched by the fact that you thought of me even in the midst of your grief.  As you know, I loved Norman even though I only got to see him a few times a year at best.  Although TGF cares for many amazing companion birds, Norman was the only one I can recall that had his own fan club whose members knew him by name and were so delighted to see him at public events.  Norman taught us so much, not just about birds, but about how to cope with life's challenges as well.  He will be sorely missed by all who were privileged to know him.  Thank you for the extraordinary care you gave him and for sharing him with us.  I will never forget him.

Fondest regards,

Tom

P.S.  I would love to have a copy of that photo of Norman you had blown up as a poster on your door at The Bird Brain.  I bet lots of people would like that poster and would make donations to get them.

Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this sad time.  Pat and Glenn  Wallace

Oh no!!!!  I met Norman many times, and he was such a blessing.  This is so sad.  Lots of love to everyone at the Foundation who is mourning Norman's passing, and especially to Julie, his Champion and Angel. 

Kari Terhark

So sorry to hear of Norman's passing.  He is with all his bird and human friends in a better place were no harm can ever come to him.

Debbie Terry

Julie

We know how you get to love these birds and we are in sympathetic morning with you. 

A big hug from both of us

Bill and Linda

Julie,

That is so terribly sad.  It brought tears to my eyes. 

Jack (Jack and Dorinda Barnard)

Our family is so deeply saddened by Norman's passing.  We met Norman at
the Tagawa Garden Center last summer and were amazed by what an
exceptional bird he was.  We have a three year old African Grey named
Kojo and he is such a wonderful addition to our family.  For all the
odds that were stacked against Norman, he lead a courageous and full
life.  God Bless you and your efforts and love for him, he is flying
high now, free from pain!
Sincerely and with deepest sympathy,
The Achziger Family
Bryan, Laurie, Avery and Griffin
*Kojo too!*

Dear Gabriel Foundation:

My very first visit to your site has left me saddened by the loss of Norman, while at the same time warming my heart, after reading the story of how he came to be part of The Gabriel Foundation.

I'm quite certain your Norman passed on knowing that you love him. 

I firmly believe that departure from this world is simply the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another.  I think all that love you bestowed on Norman has well equipped him to face that next chapter.  

Janet Nelson

Gerbil Rehoming of Denver

"Assisting Gerbils in Transition"

There aren't words to express my sadness at Norman's passing.  I posted about Norman on 4 of the forums I post on. Avian Nation, Bird Lovers Uncaged, The Perch & Bird Board. Many people on these forums are sponsors of birds at TGF.  Heidi from Avian Nation was Normans sponsor, and she was crushed at the news.

I only met Norman once (when I took the video) but boy what a sweety. I think any of us who have let these amazing creatures into our hearts, feels a loss when one goes.
I will say this. He had a hard life, but boy was he loved at TGF. By everyone. He will be missed, even by those who never met him....his spirit is all over the Aviary's

I thought you all might like to read what an impact this wonderful boy had. The following are responses that were posted from all 4 forums, from people out of state & out of the country.   Many of these people, even in other country's have heard of TGF, thru the network & forums.

My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Love,

Gayla

(This is from Heidi, Normans sponsor)

OMG I cannot stop crying. I never met him. But I loved him anyways.

TY for letting us know Gayla.

.