a sheila in mourning

Today after a long weekend away from all devices that transmit news and current events, I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin. I've been watching Croc Hunter since his first episode (1992) of tracking, capturing, and relocating rogue crocs in the backwaters of Australia with his dog Sui. Before he was famous, he was just the crazy Aussie guy who jumped on the back of crocs and talked about conservation. So when I read that Steve was killed in a freak snorkling accident by a sting ray, I took it pretty personally. I feel terrible for him and his family. What a terrible way to die. And what a reminder that life is precious, and temporary. If the sting ray had struck six inches away, he might have hit Steve's arm or belly with his stinger - not a direct hit to the heart.

While I weep for the Irwin family (Steve leaves behind his wife Terri, daughter Bindi and son Bob), one can only be thankful that Steve appears to have led a full and exciting life, and had the opportunity to share his love of nature with so many people around the world. At the time of this blogging, the Australia Zoo website is inaccessible, probably inadverdantly DoS'ed by all the fans visiting the site to mourn Steve's passing.

S'long Steve, you'll be missed.

~Elphie