The Pigeon Factory

[powerspigeons]

There used to be a place where a young city raised kid could go and surround yourself with thousand's of pigeons. Pigeons of all color's , shape's , and sizes. If you loved bird's this was the place to be. A fellow named Ben owned these bird's and considered them a gift to him from GOD. He would say only GOD could produce such a lovely creature, he just helped them out with their living situation. Ben,had a true love for all animals. I came from a broken home , and needed a little direction in my life. I was introduced to Ben ,and he saw thru my rough exterior, to the real person that hide within. Ben gave me a shovel and away we went. I would go there on weekends and clean the Lofts the best I could, I admired all the different colored bird's. Ben would teach me about the different strains, how to breed the fat babies and how to keep them healthy and how to keep my nose clean ,and stay out of trouble. My friend took alot of kid's off the street , and intoduced them to the hobby. All kid's really need is someone who care's AND BEN DID !! Ben would give you a pigeon in exchange for your hard work. He knew if you earned the bird's that you would take better care of them. I really wanted a bronze colored racing bird Ben had in the stock loft. He insisted that the bird would not work for me in my small loft. He told me the bird was a trouble maker, and even though he's a beauty , some things are not for you. BULL - I need that bird Ben. I worked that day , and Ben let me take the bird home. When I left he was smiling. I should have turned around and put the bird back ,right at that moment. I thought I knew everything.After all I was 12 years old. The next day Ben made me work , harder then ever. In return he would take the Bronze bird back. OK BEN - Leason learned. I should have applied this lesson to my first wife, but that's another story! I owe alot to Ben, and so do many other kid's that learned about life at The Pigeon Factory. Thru the years it has been a pleasure to visit my friend and introduce him to my children. He really take's pride in keeping kid's out of trouble, and seeing them grow up and start a family. He sure loved my kid's , and was happy I was racing bird's , and doing well. The last bird he gave me won a race. This was a little white one,I never thought it had a chance, Wrong Again. Ben never bragged about anything, except his Friend's. I had the priveledge of giving the speech at his 85th birthday party. The place was packed with people that loved Ben the same way I did. He helped out so many people , in so many different way's. He donated his time as well a money to help out a worthy cause. Ben was a devoted christian man and went to mass every day. I still cant believe he went every day, rain or shine. God was first. Im amazed how so many friendships can develope around a pigeon. I sat down and said a prayer with Ben , in his home. He had a little shrine of sort's. Religious statues and family picture's. I thanked him for all that he had done for me thru the years, and he thanked me for being there for him as well. When I walked out his door we both knew in our heart's that we would not see each other again. Ben passed away , a few day's later. When you read this, open your heart and maybe you can be the next the next Pigeon Factory. Making friend's

[Trees Gray]

Hi powerspigeons,

What an absolutely wonderful story to share with us.

I know you feel very lucky to have known Ben, and feel very Blessed. Many of us have had people like that in our life, many don't. Hopefully we can continue to enrich the lives of others and make many new friends, and help youngsters who just need someone to guide them, thru our birds.

Yes, pigeons are God's creation, I always say that, their beauty and gift to inspire is astounding.

Thank you for sharing.

God bless you and your family.

[Lady Tarheel]

Thank you so much for a truly beautiful story.

[Lovebirds]

What a great story. I would LOVE to be a "Ben" in some childs life.........but....there are no kids around us. Just older folks. We did have kids come from a local school twice in 2003 and twice in 2004. They were great while they were here and enjoyed seeing the birds.

[AZWhitefeather]

Thank you, powerspigeon, for sharing your wonderful & inspiring story.

Cindy

[Lin Hansen]

Powerspigeon,

What a wonderfu story!

I'm so glad you had Ben in your life....he sounds like a truly great man.

Linda

PS....One of our moderators, Warren Smith (Smithfamilyloft) also had someone like Ben in his life...I thought you might enjoy reading Warren's posts on the subject:


http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showpo...6&postcount=14

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showpo...4&postcount=17

[Pigeonpal2002]

That really is a great story I think that if young people are introduced to animals early on in life, (not just pigeons), and their curiosity is peaked, they will learn a lot of lessons about life and responsibility.

I find that people who were brought up around animals all their lives; who are taught to respect them and love them, tend to be some of the best humans around. It seems to shape who they will become for their entire lives

[Reti]

That is a wonderful story.
I wish there were more people like Ben, if a city had a least one such person, they would keep a lot of kids out of trouble.
I always believed pigeons are little angels.

Reti

[maryjane]

What a beautiful story. How lucky you are to have known Ben, and you and the people he helped must have given him much joy.

[TerriB]

Thank you for sharing this heart-warming and instructive story. You were truely blessed to have met Ben when you did.

Originally Posted by Pigeonpal2002

...I find that people who were brought up around animals all their lives; who are taught to respect them and love them, tend to be some of the best humans around. It seems to shape who they will become for their entire lives

Well-stated!

[powerspigeons]

Thank you are for your feed back. I appreciate it.

[Victor]

Hi powerspiegeons. That was a truly touching story about Ben. He was a great man. You and others who knew him are so lucky. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

[mr squeaks]

What an inspiring story, Powerspigeons! Thank you for sharing with us!

The world would be a MUCH better place with MANY more BENs!!

By sharing your story, you, too, are being like a "Ben!" His belief in you is being amply paid! Thank you

[Feather]

PowerPigeons,

That was such a beautiful story. Ben's legacy is being lived, and told through you. Thank you so much for sharing you very special friend with us.

Feather

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Oh PowersPigeon....

What a story......Ben certainly was an example of a great human being....I am sure...Thank you for sharing this story.