Hi Lora. I like this only bc it hits home for all of us. So sorry for your losses for sure. I do remember Houdini very well and he was so special for all he gave to all of us on the forum. He and your other Easterns will be missed a lot . We have no control over the morbidity and mortality of these animals . All we can do is try and give them the best care and husbandry that we can. I too lost three garters this year, a male and two adult females. Coming out of brumation, neither of them made it. They were a breeding trio of granite checkereds and het granites. In any case, you are not alone, and coming back and posting about your loss will prove therapeutic and helpful for all. Thanks and welcome back! We have missed you.