Steve Irwin was my one and only hero. He embodied everything I believed in: wildlife, animals, passion, compassion, conservation, family, honesty and integrity. He was an incredible human being…

…the likes of which I have never seen before, and I fear I may never see again in my lifetime. And I am not a person who believes in heros. Even as a child, I was hero-less, never star-struck or whimsical for fictional heros. It wasn’t until Steve came along that I understood what a hero truly was.

Steve rocked my world, revived me — and gave me incredible hope that there are other people out there who do care deeply, who do love passionately (as most people are too afraid to show you)– and can and will fight for what they believe in. Every time I saw Steve Irwin, I got wind underneath my wings.

Sadly, it is few among us who are willing to take our passions to the depths Steve did because to do so is to be brutually honest with yourself, and what you believe in. You have to be able to look into a mirror and accept yourself fully for who you are: the good and the bad — and Steve could do that. He was one balanced individual on top of everything else.

Steve was just incredible. His passions drove him to teach millions of people about wildlife they didn’t care about. His enthusiasm captivated you, embraced you — and took you along on his adventure. His energy and excitement was infectious and contagious. You couldn’t help but become compassionate along with Steve. And I believe the world needs a lot more compassion. It is compassion that is missing in our lives for other human beings and for all the animals with whom we share this planet.

Steve was so honest and real. He exposed his inner most self for the world to see. Steve allowed himself to be vulnerable to others and in his steadfast confidence, proudly, didn’t care what you or I thought — because he knew he was being true to his soul — and to the animals and that is all that ever mattered.

When you are genuine and true to yourself — you will be loved. You will be happy. You will find yourself and your place in this world. I truly believe that and Steve was living testament to it.

I just “got” Steve. I understood him like he was my brother, even if I only have only a tenth of his courage. I would have trusted Steve with my life – hands-down, blindfolded and all. He was and is the most sincere, honest and passionate person I have yet to know. Steve wasn’t afraid to be Steve.

When I hear other people say that “Steve got what he deserved” (death), that he didn’t respect wildlife and abused animals — I feel sad for the people that make these comments because I know they are incapable of understanding and relating to other people at this point in their lives. Furthermore, these people have never truly found their passion in life nor do they have any understanding or sense of self. These people who make these remarks are lost souls struggling to find themselves and are lashing out in pure ignorance. These comments are a tragedy in the face of Steve’s tragedy.

I will mourn the loss of Steve Irwin for as long as I live. He is still my hero today and always will be. Thank you, Steve, for gracing us with your gifts, your talents, your intelligence, your compassion, your passion, and your love. Thank you for not being afraid to be yourself, and for living your life true to your soul!! You have changed the world, mate! You’ve changed me — hands down by confirming everything I believe in — and by letting me know that you can succeed in your passions if you believe, deep down inside and let them guide you.

BE COMPASSIONATE.
BE PASSIONATE.
BELIEVE.
Don’ be shy to LOVE.
BE TRUE to YOURSELF. Always.

Thank you, truly, Steve. Thank you.