by Linda Tarte

Like the rest of the world, I was stunned and grief-stricken over the loss of Steve Irwin. Tears did not wash away the feeling of deep sadness and remorse over so great a loss.

Why must he have lived so dangerously, so recklessly? Why could he not be a more balanced, sensible person?

The answer to these questions is because he didn't want to be sensible. He wanted to live life the way he felt it, strong and fearless and true to his ideals.

He wanted to send a message to the world that all life is sacred, all creatures, all living things, all forests, all of creation. He said with all of his being, this is life. Love it.

When he spoke about his beloved crocodiles, you had no doubt that they were as dear to him as any family member or friend. When he picked up a venomous snake that could have killed him in an instant, he rhapsodized about its beauty and it's essential right to live a life of happiness, such as any of us would expect and want for ourselves and our loved ones.

His craziness and daring were part of his charm. Indeed, he would not have achieved what he did in life without it. It was the avenue by which he entered the world's eye.

One might say, but it got him killed. Yes, but he might have gotten killed any day in his 44 years, considering the way he lived. And he survived till now. When it is time for us to be taken from this earth by our heavenly Father, it will happen and nothing on earth can stop it. Whatever he was put on earth for was achieved, and his time had come.

He left behind a legacy of love for nature and wildlife that will thrill the hearts of those of us left behind to carryon the torch. He spoke in a voice of strength, awe, joy, and deep understanding of all the animals he tried to protect and defend. I will never feel the same about crocodiles and snakes in my entire life as a result of his loving voice in their behalf. He opened up a new consciousness in me that will not be extinguished. His heart was so full, it spilled over into the minds and souls of the world.

His love of family was immense, which we could clearly see right there on the television screen with his wife and children expressed so vividly and lovingly in his words and treatment of them. His love of friends was clearly uppermost in his life as well. All his friends at the zoo would have done anything for him.

I feel privileged to have lived in Steve Irwin's lifetime and to have witnessed his greatness as a man and as a conservationist and leader.

Every generation has special people that bring us to a higher plane of spiritual being, and Steve Irwin was one of the best and highest in our world. He put a fire and light into the hearts of his listeners that will shine on through this and succeeding generations.

The world will be a better more caring place because of what he taught us, what he lived, and what he said with his life.

He packed more living into his 44 years than others could have in 100 lifetimes, and he was a great, great spirit.

We must never underestimate the affect one great man will have upon his world.

May God richly bless him.