For those of you who have emailed or called, yes, we heard about Steve Irwin's death this morning in the hotel room before leaving for the lake this morning. I have had a heavy heart all day, not really even knowing how to grieve for someone I've never met, but have such a great fondness for. It's strange to be so affected by the death of a tv celebrity, but those of you who know our family know that The Crocodile Hunter has featured prominently in our family's life for many years now. The show itself has been a favorite, and through the various shows (Croc Hunter, Croc Diaries, Croc Files, etc), because of the nature of a non-fiction show, we have spent a lot of time over the years getting to know the Irwin family. Through the lens of the tv camera, we followed Terri's first pregnancy, and even joined the labor room when she gave birth to Bindi Sue, who is 11 months older than Sydney to the day. Syd's close age and Bindi's physical similarities to Syd has always endeared me to Bindi, it is primarily thinking of her that causes me the most grief. Anyone who has watched many of the shows knows that Bindi Sue was the apple of her daddy's eye. I know he received bad publicity for making a couple of judgement errors, but there is no doubt in my mind that Steve Irwin was a true family man, and he loved his children more than he could express. Bindi was at Steve's side almost every day for the first five years of her life, and even after starting school continued to be a constant presence in his work. She was 8 years old this past July, and I know that her father's death will be a devastating blow to her. I know that Terrie, his wife, and their 2 year old son, Bob, will also be struggling to deal with such a loss. But Bindi is who my heart continually breaks for.
My heart also aches for Wes Mannion, who any good Croc Hunter fan will know has been Steve Irwin's "best mate" since childhood. They have been through thick and thin together, and have been repeatedly instrumental in saving each other's lives and limbs in the adventures they have shared. I am certain this has been a devastating blow for Wes, who doesn't have a wife or children of his own, and whose life has been so much a part of the Irwins.
A truly sad passing, but he leaves a legacy of adventure that we can all cherish through his documentaries. And in a way, though he died young, he lived far more than most of us ever will. Isn't that what we mean by the saying "The candle that burns brightest burns shortest"? Would I trade half my life expectancy away to enjoy the adventure, adrenaline, and vigor that characterized every one of his days?
...You know, I think I would. Farewell Croc Hunter, and thank you for sharing your life and vision with the rest of us mere mortals.
Posted by: Mason at Septiembre 5, 2006 12:09 AMyes I do still love you. I dont know why some people werent getting updates anymore, so I just decided to stop protecting my posts. the reason I was protecting them happened anyways, so, you do what you can do. now that you can google me too I guess there isnt much to hide. I guess I will just have to behave myself on my site, too bad cause what I want to write is probably alot more interesting than what I actually write. not that I live a life of crime or anything, but....
sorry about Stever Irwin. couldnt believe it when I heard it. hope Joseph is ok.
To Willa,
The passing of Steve Irwin was a terrible for all who knew him and I'm sure it was especially tough for Wes. For your information, Wes does have a wife, Jodie (who works at the Zoo) and a child, Riley.
Posted by: Scott at Septiembre 6, 2006 11:52 PMScott, thanks for posting that correction. I meant to do so earlier. I knew that Wes had divorced his first wife, Tara, and knew there was "something" btwn he and Jodie, but somehow I missed the fact that they were married, and only discovered yesterday that they have a child as well. Wes has done an amazing job of keeping his private life private in an environment where the camera is always on. Kudos to him for that. My comment regarding his fam was intended to help emphasize the incredible closeness and intensity of his relationship with the Irwins, which remains true.
Posted by: willa at Septiembre 7, 2006 10:20 AMActually Wes Mannion is married to the assistant director of Australia Zoo, Jodie, and they have a son together. I'm sure it was a terrible loss for Wes, he and Steve were like brothers.
Posted by: Henry at Septiembre 9, 2006 10:54 PMMy heart breaks for every single member of the Irwin family, and the extended family they have at Australia Zoo. We have lost a legend in our time, a leader in conservation, and a great educator. They have lost a father, husband, leader, son and soulmate. God bless to all!
Posted by: Gia at Septiembre 12, 2006 01:12 AMWe come into their lives
as daughters of sons
we are what they make us
we are taught right from wrong.
They Guide us the right way
through thick or through thin
our fahters we love them
with out them where would we be
GOD BLESS THEM! and keep them
we know that you care
and look after the loved ones
who now shed the TEARS!
MY HEART AS WELL AS A WHOLE NATIONS GOES OUT TO THE IRWIN FAMILY