Carolyn Dickman, Education Director
 

The loss of Steve Irwin leaves quite a void in the world. I know to some it would sound silly to say I felt a strong connection to him, but I truly felt like he could have been a member of our family. I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd sat down at our table for Thanksgiving dinner-no gator on the menu, sorry Steve.

 Carolyn Dickman

I think two things drew me to Steve: One his passion, whether he was spinning with a crocodile or hypnotizing a chicken, he was full-tilt. The other endearing quality was his childlike joy in being alive and doing something he loved. He was truly ALIVE in every sense of the word. In an interview, Steve's manager and friend John Stainton said that Steve packed 10 lifetimes into his 44 years. Steve was truly happy. We all like to be around happy people, I don't know if we hope it will rub off or it's just plain fun.

I've seen him interviewed by the best and he always seemed to turn the discussion to his most passionate subject, conservation. But no matter what was discussed he was always truly interested, inquisitive, and enthusiastic. In addition, something I respect, he wasn't just about making money. If that had been the case we probably would only know him as a wild and crazy guy that wrestled crocs. He taught respect for our planet and the animals that inhabit it. I didn't think anyone could call upon me to be interested in snakes-other than "get a machete."

What can we learn from Steve that could enrich our lives? For one, let's turn in our 'alive-but' membership card. Could we strive to make our jobs, lives more interesting? Could we be more passionate about our lives, jobs, hobbies, causes? Could we laugh more? Could we be goofier? (I dare you to wear a clown nose to work. When was the last time you ate a big stick of cotton candy, played in the sand, sent yourself flowers and winked when someone asked you who they were from...it's fun. Make time for fun.)

Next question, if we aren't doing work that we love - WHY NOT? Don't get me started on this one! I've done stress management seminars for huge corporations. I've heard all about thirty and out. I know all about the six-pack vacation. I know about living for the weekend. I've witnessed all the "I'll be happy when," that I can stand. I've heard about raising families and not being able to live on less while the person is standing in one hundred dollar shoes.