I’d planned to write a Happy New Year story this morning.
Today begins a new school year - which is major if you are a student. You worry about different things starting first grade, sixth grade, your senior year. It is, in every sense of the word, a new year.
Steve Irwin’s death makes me sad. As an environmentalist and a conservationist he probably would have been ignored without his daredevil antics. I could not imagine taking the risks he took, yet his death did not result from doing something risky. It appears to be a freak accident, act of God.
I’m considered a risk-taker to some people because I’m willing to eat a new mushroom. I take precautions, so I feel no fear. I believe Steve Irwin also took precautions, even if his shows were designed to look scary.
There are not very many people like him. Steve had the passion of those who grew up with wildlife. But he figured out how to make the experience meaningful to people who have little or no contact with nature.
I’m sorry that his children will grow up without him and that his wife has lost her partner. If this did have to happen, then I am glad that Australia considers him a national hero. I wish Americans considered environmentalists and conservationists heroes.
I hope Steve Irwin’s death nurtures a worldwide concern for reptiles and other members of the wildlife community who are not “pretty.”
I hope ten outspoken, endearing conservationists step forward to take his place.
After I finish my experiment with chicken mushroom soup, I think I’ll grab my binoculars and see if the otter is swimming in the lake.