This past week on "Dancing with the Stars," the theme was "Most Memorable Year." For those of you who don’t know, Bindi Irwin, the legendary and late Steve Irwin's (ak.a The Crocodile Hunter) daughter is a contestant on this season of DWTS. She chose 2006 as her most memorable year; the year her father passed away. Bindi and dance partner Derek Hough put together a riveting and emotional dance that didn’t leave a dry eye. I watched it on YouTube, sitting on my futon, in my pajamas and sobbed like a baby.
I cannot even begin to imagine how Bindi felt when she lost her father. One of my biggest fears is losing mine; my dad is my hero. But I can empathize with her. I grew up watching "The Crocodile Hunter," and Steve Irwin instilled a love for all wildlife in me. I considered him to be another father-like figure in my life because of everything he taught me. I won’t forget the day I came home from school and heard the news that he had died. I went to my room and cried. I just couldn’t believe it. He had made such an impact on the world, how could he be gone?
Watching this dance reminded me of everything Steve Irwin taught me. He taught me how to love and respect all of nature's creatures. He showed me that they’re not for our entertainment and that we need to treat them with respect. He also taught me that caring goes a long way with both animals and people.
Looking back, I remember coming home after school and stealing the remote from my younger siblings (who would be watching typical afternoon cartoons) and change the channel to the Animal Planet so I could watch the latest episode or rerun of "The Crocodile Hunter." There was a different adventure during each show, and I always learned something new and cool about whatever animals he was chasing down. When I was learning though, I never felt like I was in school. Steve made it interesting and brought it down to a level that everyone could understand. He made learning exciting.
The Crocodile Hunter may no longer be with us in person, but he lives on and in our hearts.
"I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.” -Steve Irwin
