Today was unlike any other day. When I woke up my beloved hamster Chubs had passed away in his sleep. I cried so hard that my entire body hurt. I sat around the house all day just staring at his empty cage. This was the first time I had experienced loss. I was too young to remember losing my grandparents. The house was so quiet today. Too quiet.

When my Dad got home from work, we put Chubs into a shoe box and headed to the backyard. He dug a small hole in the dirt, placed the shoebox inside and then covered it up. He asked me if I wanted to say a few words but my bottom lip began to quiver and I started to cry. "It's okay Gordie. He was a sweet little guy and he brought you lots of love and happiness. He's in a better place now."

"It's getting dark and chilly out here. Time to go inside. Chubs will always be a part of our family and you can visit him anytime." "I'll be there in a couple of minutes. I just need a moment to myself." "I understand" my Dad replied as he headed inside. I took a deep breath and stared at the stars. I began to feel as though I was being watched and it sent chills up my spine.

Staring at me this entire time was a big, black bird. It was a crow and it was terrifying. I froze, unable to utter a single word. And then the crow spoke to me, "Hello Gordie. I'm sorry for your loss. It's my job to guide the souls of animals to a new world, a better place like the one your Dad talked about. I know you doubt its existence but it is as real as you want it to be."

I began to tremble as my knees buckled beneath me. I wasn't sure it was from the brisk wind that filled the night or by being in the presence of this frightening bird. My heart was racing and I wanted to run away yet something about the crow  fascinated me. And why a crow? I thought angels guided souls to Heaven or wherever we go when we leave this earth.

"Do you work for Heaven?" I asked the big, black bird. "Heaven is anything you want it to be and you can call it anything you like. Think of it as the most beautiful place that you could possibly imagine. It's a place where the sun always shines. Everyone you've ever loved and lost are all together and each day is filled with such happiness."