Farewell Mr. Crocodile Hunter

I have to admit that I was pretty bummed when I heard about the death of The Crocodile Hunter yesterday. But do you want to know the first thing that entered my head?

What a way to go… I mean, really, for a guy like that, who loved adventure and spent so much of his life and energy educating people about the very things he loved the most… what a way to end it.

I’m not saying it wasn’t horrible and tragic. My heart breaks for his two young kids and his wife. But how many people can say they spent their life doing what they really, really loved? More often, it seems to me that people spend a lifetime wishing and wanting, whining and wondering why things aren’t as they wanted, and then it’s over anyway.

I think we all should take a lesson from Steve Irwin. Take chances. Live your bliss. Follow your heart. There’s just no telling where and when it’s going to end.

Here’s the best overview I’ve found so far – his life and his story.

Note his thoughts on parenting – about the best I’ve heard on the subject (although the “Mum’s not looking” line cracks me up):

And so I've been asked about philosophies of fatherhood and how to be a good parent and all that, and to tell you the truth, mate, all I do is just treat her exactly how I would want to be treated. She wants to have chocolate, Mum's not looking - "Here, have the whole block." And you know what? It works out.

Steve Irwin
February 22, 1962-September 4, 2006