Ball Python. My first reptile. Pick of the litter. Although he was in my life such a short while, He touched both my life, and my mothers. My Mom was deathly afraid of snakes, and had a very strong hate of them, too. Axel is the only snake she had ever held. He taught her that snakes could be gentle things, worthy of love and respect. When we found him behind that wall, cold and curled up, she immediately opened her shirt to warm him.

He didn't make it. I don't even think he was actually alive when we found him. I'm in total denial right now. I just can't believe he's dead. He died far too young, far too soon.

I love you, buddy. I'm so sorry.