My Hero and My Inspiration

Growing up as a kid, the only TV channels I was allowed to watch was the Animal Planet and the Discovery channel. I still remember watching the most extreme every sunday, and Shark Week every year with my dad. As a result, I grew up with a love for wildlife. I took a special interest with the most dangerous animals I saw, like the great white sharks and venomous snakes. In fact, when I was hospitalized with asthma for about two weeks, I had the nurses stick a picture of a great white shark on my door. The person I looked up to most though, wanted to be exactly like, was the crocodile hunter. I joined Steve Irwin in his adventures every chance I got, and I knew wanted to be just like him when I grew up. I remember watching episodes from when he visited an island and caught and swam with sea crates (snakes) which are the most toxic snakes in the world, but also the most mellow. Then we caught a plane to indonesia, where we explored a komodo dragon park. The dangerous thing about them? They possess razor-sharp teeth and have saliva that break down tissues or carry lethal viruses that break your body down or something like that. One bite is all it would take.

What really stuck with me since I was that fixated little five year about Steve was:

-His PASSION

-His ENTHUSIASM 

-His LOVE FOR ANIMALS, CONSERVATION, and FAMILY

Even today, whenever a teacher or someone asks who is my hero, or who is my role model, I don't even have to think. With a big smile and a feeling of excitement, I reply, "Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter." His passion, catchphrase, and love for conservation, can make even the most stiff-necked person just develop an excitement about wildlife. I could probably listen to Steve Irwin all day, every day, and never grow bored. Even though I'm getting older, as I watch his old episodes and interviews, I still become even more intrigued, interested, amazed, and become excited with his work and life mission. Anything I can do to be a contributing 'Wildlife Warrior' is a great honor, even if it's picking up a stray soda can on the beach. I 'can' do it!

   

Every last one of the qualities and traits I find in Steve Irwin, are all going on my future husband list. (Including an accent.) I looked through some of my favorite interviews and videos of steve, and posted them down, just to give you an idea of how incredible this man was. Keeping true to the course Steve!

Rest in peace, my friend.

One of my favorite interviews with Steve-o:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FjsmovR_fc
Steve and Terri's Love Story; Absolutely Adorable!! :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIBdllXPg14
What Steve wanted to be remembered for:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZVPKbZ4cKg&feature=related
When Steve and Bindi found out his 2nd child! This whole video displays a ton of traits going on my husband list.. :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6mohXSgVGg&feature=related

Hope you enjoy mates! G'day!

                      --Crikey!--

 This picture reminded me a ton of my dad and I when I was a kid..