Brian Buckbee and Carol Ann Fitzgerald on 'We Should All Be Birds' Memoir

The Genesis of a Memoir

• 💡 Brian Buckbee initially shared his story about a pigeon named Two Step through Facebook posts, dictated due to a severe medical condition that prevents him from looking at screens.
• 💬 These posts garnered significant interest, prompting Brian to consider publishing his experiences.
• 🤝 Carol Ann Fitzgerald, a former editor, was contacted by Brian and, intrigued by his narrative, agreed to collaborate on turning the Facebook posts into a full-length memoir.

Brian's Chronic Illness and Connection

• 🧠 Brian describes his condition as similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, characterized by debilitating headaches and body pain exacerbated by activity, which has significantly limited his life.
• 🚶‍♂️ He found solace and purpose in caring for Two Step, a pigeon with an injured foot that unexpectedly entered his life.
• 🐦 The bond with Two Step involved daily walks, teaching the bird to fly, and a deep sense of companionship that helped Brian cope with his isolation and pain.

The Pigeon's Perspective and Societal Neglect

• 🧐 Brian draws parallels between his own overlooked condition and the societal neglect of pigeons, often maligned as "rats with wings."
• 💔 He highlights how pigeons, like those with chronic illnesses, are often misunderstood and mistreated, facing poisoning and lack of refuge.
• 🌍 The memoir aims to open readers' eyes to the inner lives and feelings of creatures often dismissed or ignored.

Collaboration and Shared Meaning

• ✍️ Carol Ann emphasizes that the book is not solely about sickness but about the profound connection with a bird and how it sustained Brian.
• 🤝 The collaborative process was essential due to Brian's physical limitations, with Carol Ann playing a crucial role in shaping the narrative and carrying the project forward.
• ❤️ Both authors hope the memoir inspires readers, offering comfort and a sense of not being alone in their own struggles, grief, or pain.

Lessons from Two Step

• ✨ Two Step taught Brian to see the "invisible world," including overlooked people suffering from chronic illnesses.
• 🕊️ For Carol Ann, Two Step symbolizes Brian's capacity for love, respect for wildness, and the difficult but necessary act of letting go of what one cherishes to honor its true nature.
• 🫂 The experience fostered a deep, collaborative relationship between Brian and Carol Ann, built on mutual support and shared creative vision.