Crikey!

I want to give homage to one of the wackiest people to ever grace the Discovery Channel. Steve Irwin passed away today at the age of 44.

Steve Irvin, of course, is best known as the Crocodile Hunter! He was filming a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia when he was stung by a stingray. The stingray stung him in the chest and he died from a barb to the heart.

While this sounds painful, and he was way too young to die, I actually envy the guy. He died doing the one thing he loves to do most in this world. He was out in nature, educating people about the wonders of the animal world. Most people die either when they are old in their bed, or some out on the streets or in some bad accident. And while this was an accident, it was one that came with the risks of his passion. And not only that, he got to live his whole life doing what he loved. How many people can actually say that? Not too many.

Seeing the news tonight, I was at first saddened by it, but it made me realize that life really is short. No use sitting around moping about things. We all need to get out and do what we love. Don't waste your life, use it how you want to. So, while this guy was very enthusiastic about his work to the point of goofyness, I think the good ol croc hunter can be an example to us all of how a life should be lived. All out. No regrets. Doing what you love. Love and be loved in return. These are all things he embodies.

So, while Irwin had a lotta "crikey's" left in him, he still lived a complete and amazing life doing what he loved. And for that, we should remember him.