September 5, 2006

• Good-bye Steve Irwin

  Yesterday, I was checking my e-mail, and my Commander spoke aloud that Steve Irwin is dead.  I looked up at him with a questioning look and thought to myself is this some kind of hoax?  When my Commander then proceeded to tell us that Steve was killed by a sting-ray, I then thought for sure that this had to be a hoax.  Come on now, he's wrestled crocodiles, alligators, played with venemous and non-venemous snakes and spiders, and not to mention he had a run in with a hippo!  He was even in a cage while Great White Sharks swam around him and were trying to get him in that cage.  How possibly could a sting-ray take Steve from this world?  But, as we all know it happened.  The Crocodile Hunter like us is not immortal, and he was pierced in the chest by a sting-ray's barb. 

  Steve Irwin was different than most celeberties.  He was the same on camera as he was off.  His love for animals and his family were evident.  He died doing what he loved doing, and that was showing the world animals and their habitats and telling people to not be afraid and kill them all off.  If it wasn't for him, how many of us would have seen the beauty of reptiles and other animals that society deems dangerous? 

  I didn't watch the Crocodile Hunter until the end of my Freshman year to the begining of my Sophmore year.  All the kids in school were talking about this Austrailian that wrestles with crocodiles.  I knew I had to see this.  I began watching the show and was amazed.  Soon, specials were premiering, one of which was Steve Irwin's "Deadliest Snakes".  I jumped so many times during that show, because I thought for sure he was going to be bitten.  Of course he wasn't.  All his shows were like that.  They were all exciting to watch as well as educational. 

  Steve Irwin paved the way for other wildlife conservationists.  I watched a show last year with the host saying that majority of snakes will not strike unless they are handled.  This dude stood on a Copperhead with both feet and Copperhead didn't do a thing.  But, when the host took a protestic hand and tried to pick the snake up, it then struck.  Steve's message rang through loud and clear in this program, "Don't muck with it."

  Steve Irwin had child-like energy and enthusiasm.  Many people around the world will miss Steve Irwin and I am one of those people.  Steve Irwin is survived by his wife Terri (born in Oregon, USA), and two children Bindi Sue (8) and Robert "Bob" (2 1/2).  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. 

  In Memory of Steve Irwin

  22 February 1962 - 04 September 2006

  

  God Bless and Take Care,

  Jen

   

  • 8:10 am
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