|
|
| S. BARBARA AND DOMINGO |
Sister Barbara Seaward and her flock of exotic pet birds, minister to the elderly, sick, and disabled.
“Even if it’s just a moment in time… the birds bridge the gulf between yesterday and today, reality
and illusion,” says Sister Barbara Seaward. She was recalling how an elderly,
senile and non responsive person reacted to the sight of some finches and their babies.
“She smiled and gestured to the birds. It was the spark of recognition
that inspired me.”
You may already be acquainted with Sister Barbara. She and her African
Grey parrot, Angel, are familiar to many Long Islanders. They’ve both been
on “wings of love” for years, delighting many with their compassionate visits.
|
| LUCKY AND DINKUM |
Perhaps
you’ve read about Sister Barbara and her cockatoo, CieCie, in the Daily News where they were profiled in an article
about “second-hand birds.” Or maybe you were lucky enough to catch
the episode of the NATURE series on PBS that profiled Sister and her birds… and their special relationships with people.
Sister
Barbara Seaward, OP, has ministered to people for years as a registered nurse and Roman Catholic Sister of St. Dominic. Her thirty year nursing career included a public health assignment, cardiac care nursing,
and a stint as a school nurse.
She is a member of the Long Island Parrot Society and the
Parrot Fanciers Club. These organizations are dedicated to educating the public
about proper bird care.
Sister
Barbara’s ministry fledged after she adopted a handicapped Cockatiel and saw how the elderly nuns in the convent responded
to him. She adopted more birds. “I
wanted to share their wonderful qualities with others. I’ve seen them draw
people out,” Sister Barbara smiled. “I know the comfort and joy they
bring to the ill. I’ve watched them bring a smile to the face of a boy
with a brain tumor.” Sister Barbara continued, “Seniors often remember
stories about pets in their past, and the visits are good for the staff as well. They
bring out another level of relationship between caregivers and residents.”
|
| ARISTOTLE |
|
