The Death of Steve Irwin
Most celebrity deaths don't affect me. Besides a passing "that's sad", I don't really emote because I don't really let these celluloid creations into my psyche other than for entertainment value. Aaron Spelling wasn't surprising and Kurt Cobain didn't really deserve my sympathy. But there have been others who's passing genuinely made me upset. And now I add to that short list, Steve Irwin.
Steve Irwin (aka "The Crocodile Hunter") died September 5 from a freak accident involving a sting ray. He was 44 years of age and left behind a wife and two small children. A compassionate animal-lover/conservationalist, Steve had a genuine, infectious zest for life. I've never subscribed to cable television, so my first introduction to him was at my grandfather's house. I was enthralled - ever the showman, Steve captivated my interest and made me want to learn more about the animals he was showcasing and what I could do to help them. Animal welfare has always been my cause of choice. Whenever I had the chance (on vacation, at a friend's house, etc.), I would be sure to tune into his program. Ex-boyfriends would joke that I was more interested in Steve than them...history has now proven their concern to be factual.
Over the past wo years, I haven't seen as much of Steve - after starting my own business, I don't have time for holidays anymore and with the little free time I have available, I sure as hell don't spend it watching TV. But he was someone whom I always felt was "there"...someone who contributed to and defined a part of my life which I will always remember (late teens/early 20s).
So...just like the death of Layne Staley symbolically signalled the end of my teen years as something gone forever, and the passing of Mr. Rogers signalled the end of a childhood that I will never regain (oh, how I wept at that one!), Steve Irwin's death signals the end of a period in which I was coming into my own and becoming the confident, passionate person I am today. I thank him for entertaining me, I especially thank him for educating me, and may he be at peace in whatever kingdom awaits us in the next life.
R.I.P. Steve - you will be missed.
***On a side note, I suggest anyone wishing to commemorate his life visit www.wwf.org (World Wildlife Fund) and symbolically adopt an animal. I am the proud "mama" of a wolf, tiger and panda. It's a great cause!***
Steve Irwin (aka "The Crocodile Hunter") died September 5 from a freak accident involving a sting ray. He was 44 years of age and left behind a wife and two small children. A compassionate animal-lover/conservationalist, Steve had a genuine, infectious zest for life. I've never subscribed to cable television, so my first introduction to him was at my grandfather's house. I was enthralled - ever the showman, Steve captivated my interest and made me want to learn more about the animals he was showcasing and what I could do to help them. Animal welfare has always been my cause of choice. Whenever I had the chance (on vacation, at a friend's house, etc.), I would be sure to tune into his program. Ex-boyfriends would joke that I was more interested in Steve than them...history has now proven their concern to be factual.
Over the past wo years, I haven't seen as much of Steve - after starting my own business, I don't have time for holidays anymore and with the little free time I have available, I sure as hell don't spend it watching TV. But he was someone whom I always felt was "there"...someone who contributed to and defined a part of my life which I will always remember (late teens/early 20s).
So...just like the death of Layne Staley symbolically signalled the end of my teen years as something gone forever, and the passing of Mr. Rogers signalled the end of a childhood that I will never regain (oh, how I wept at that one!), Steve Irwin's death signals the end of a period in which I was coming into my own and becoming the confident, passionate person I am today. I thank him for entertaining me, I especially thank him for educating me, and may he be at peace in whatever kingdom awaits us in the next life.
R.I.P. Steve - you will be missed.
***On a side note, I suggest anyone wishing to commemorate his life visit www.wwf.org (World Wildlife Fund) and symbolically adopt an animal. I am the proud "mama" of a wolf, tiger and panda. It's a great cause!***