Which explains the love heart with the bird in it, which I have been at pains to find a way of asking about, without seeming impolite.

Don't worry, I'm not going to say "Totem animal" to you. For me, at least, it brings on memories of crystals and cheap pewter lapiz lazuli encrusted jewellery and poorly printed paperbacks about "Following the light path of your inner guide".

It is your friend and guide and kin and as much a part of you as your fingernails are. It cannot be be explained with a glib, meaningless throwaway "explanation".

It is you, it is who you are, and it  is who it is and I'm at risk of sounding like I'm going to repeat the lyrics of I am the walrus.

(I am he as you are he as you are me, And we are all together) Just for the sake of refreshing memories.