Norbert, my friend, my rat...
I miss you my Burton. You left me so suddenly today and I still can not believe you are gone. We spent every day together and suddenly you are no longer here. I am saddened beyond words. Such a little guy, you were always affectionate and sweet. Happy to hang out on my shoulders or in my hoody. Ever curious and always on the lookout for a delicious snack. You will always be in my heart my dearest Norbert. I love you.Norbert passed away thus morning at ~6:30am. He rang his toy bell and I heard him cough/hack ( a nasty sound ) and he was half out of his hammock when I came and got him out and held him in my hands seconds later. I knew he was dying, I don't know why but I could tell he was going fast. He had just stopped breathing and I just held him petting him and letting my tears fall. At some point I lay him back in his bed until I could come to grips with what just happened and then make his funerary arrangements ( he will be cremated and his ashes returned to me ).... The day has been long and sad and I fear I am not done shedding tears for him. But he knows he was loved and is loved still. A rat among rats among humans.. he was a Good Boy!


Finally!! It has several days since we put up our tree and set the star atop it. But the lights are always more problematic with bad bulbs and colors that don't light, etc. But tonight the deed is Done! I may tweak the light placement here and there and replace a few more bulbs though.
