The death of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin hit me as a huge shock today. We haven't watched his show too much the last couple of years but we watched it quite often when Evan was younger. One of the things I have tried to do for Evan over the years is buy him a keychain from each city I visit. I do not recall what city it was from but I once bought him a keychain that had a Steve Irwin figure on it which said "Crikey!" when you would squeeze it. Keychains don't get any better than that.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Australia and, while I was there, I was very interested to learn of Steve's popularity in his home country. It may seem a bit odd but I really was curious what other Australians thought of him. For the most part, they were very proud of him and felt that he represented their country to the world very well.

I sort of feel like I did when Princess Diana died just a few days over 9 years ago. This is another death of someone from my generation. Someone who captured the hearts and imaginations of many during their time on earth. Someone who was a bit bigger than life and had become a genuine symbol of their country. Someone who challenged us all to be what we can and to get beyond our fears. Someone who died before they were really able to complete their mark on the world.

Steve got a bum rap a year or so ago when he held his young infant son as he fed some wild beast. All I could think was that I was glad that every stupid thing I do as a parent doesn't hit international headline news.

Steve lived a life committed to the things he loved. He found his joy in every minute of close encounters that would make the rest of us squirm in our seats. Whether or not he knew it, he challenged us all to face our fears and to find our joy.

May he rest in peace.