R.I.P. Hammie

On October, 17th 2010 Joe's hamster of three years named Hammie passed away in his sleep. I knew when we got a hamster that Joe would have a hard time when it died but as usual I underestimated the impact. We discovered him right before Joe went to bed around 7:30pm and I don't think he got to sleep until around 11pm. Joe is so tender hearted and sensitive. The next day we buried him in the backyard. Here's Joe putting some flowers on the broken stepping stone I put on top of the grave so no doggies or little children dug him up again. Even though I buried him pretty deep I don't want to underestimate again.
Joe's doing much better now but I know he still misses his Hammie. He picked out a birthday card for his friend Nate that had a hamster on it and was so excited to give it to him, I think more then the present. On Hammies behalf I would have to say that he was an awesome hamster as hamsters go. My family has had a few (is 10 or more a few?) as I was growing up and Joe's Hammie was just a good little guy (except and please, please don't mention this to Joe but Hammie was a girl)

Right after we were done with the funeral services Clara looks at all of us and says, "Could you get Hammie out now, I want to play with him." So I explained that he is dead and lives in Heaven with Jesus now. This explanation worked for Clara for about three days when after playing out in the yard she came in and said, "Can you get Hammie out now so I can play with him?" So I explained it all again. Then at dinner that night she gave the prayer all by herself and said, "bless Hammie be dead" I guess it sunk in because it's been about three weeks now and she is still praying "bless Hammie be dead." Sorry to Joe for the often daily reminder.