SAM-OUR AFRICAN GREY AND A GIFT FROM GOD

It was in 2004 that Sam came to us at Kochi,during my last assignment in the Navy.He was a baby.The net will tell you all about the African Grey and how it has the IQ of a five year old human. In under two years, Sam not only conversed with a surprising repertoire of vocabulary but often surprised us with his interpretation of spoken words. His responses were immediate and appropriate to the situation. He had a keen sense of humour and would often reproduce the exact sound of my official car horn which would send the duty steward running to the door, even as he grabbed his cap to be properly attired in uniform. Sam would thereafter chuckle or guffaw which made the recipient of the prank rather angry.But then Sam was the Admiral's favourite and none had the guts to suggest disciplining the Parrot. Little did they know that the Admiral always wanted a pet who adored him rather than his charming wife. But then it was the lady who knew all about pets as she literally grew up  in a house full of pets-more like a zoo, as narrated by the family.

Retirement came soon and just when we were left to ourselves with the Children and Grand children not too far away, Sam filled the void. He became a constant companion at work and play. It was as if God had thought it fit to give us a child who would keep us occupied through the day. His meal timings,the shower which he adored and his insistance to be part of any conversation with or without guests became a legend among friends and acquaintances alike. The Bangara home, came to be known in the neighbourhood as "Totewala ghar"  Door bells were answered by a loud "Kon Hai" and the telephone with a cultured "Hello"

In many ways Sam was no less in his accomplishments than the famous Eienstein, the African Grey displayed  as a genious on You Tube. We however opted not to bribe Sam to display his talents but to let him do things his way and when he desired to do so.

On the morning of 03 January 2012, due to a careless act of our domestic help Sam flew away into the densely wooded and uniformly built concrete structures of our colony.Even semi literates find it difficult to identify a building in this complex without reading the number on the gate.Sam not having seen a house from the outside can never return unless God is willing to give us another chance.Will he survive in a hostile and alien environment long enough for us to get him? He did once before. It is 24 hours now and we will soon know. If Sam survives and is returned to us I shall tell you more about his love for music and dance. Until then do let us grieve in silence and hope that time will heal our wounds.