Yesterday was a sad one for our family. Hammie, my older daughter’s beloved hamster, died. I know that some people think of hamsters as disposable pets, but he was a really special little guy, a truly sweet and gentle friend, and will be greatly missed. Death is hard to reconcile at any age, but especially hard for children, who so unabashedly appreciate life. The irony of Hammie’s death coming right on the tail of our mouse eradication plan isn’t lost on me. Cruel cosmic justice, how you speak to my soul.