OK,
Now I'm really crying. It's so clear how much he loved his family.
We're watching a whole series of interviews on Animal Planet... the one that is on now covers the birth of his daughter, and we're doing a lot of laughing through tears. What a wacky guy.
I'm a little relieved to hear that my mother and I aren't the only ones crying over a television personality! We celebrated my son's birthday today and he made sure that everyone took a moment to think about "Steve".
My kid has always has a passion for reptiles. Just last month I found a snake while I was cleaning up the yard. I pointed it out to him, then went about my business. A few minutes later I glanced back and he had the snake by the tail, just like Steve taught him. Thanks to Irwin, I've overcome my squeamishness and we now have a python that I get to feed occasionally. Plans are in the works to build my son a "reptile wall" in his room that should house about half-a-dozen critters.
Yes, Steve Irwin helped me to overcome my fear of many animals and that has greatly enriched our lives. The nature of his death won't change that.