Thoughts on death On the day I die, when I'm being carried toward the grave, don't weep. Don't say, "He's gone! He's gone!" Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun sets and the moon sets, but they're not gone. Death is a coming together. The tomb looks like a prison, but it's really release into union. The human seed goes down in the ground like a bucket into the well where Joseph is. It grows and comes up full of some unimagined beauty. Your mouth closes here and immediately opens with a shout of joy there. - Jelaluddin Rumi, written the day before he died.

Steve Irwin was the best of men. He was living myth and now his life will become a mythology for generations to come. While we adults tell stories of his wild antics and just-made-it escapes, we'll be teaching children about conservation and family at the same time. We'll be teaching children that goodness, heroism, passion, fun, joy and love are attainable. Boys will grow up learning that women are vital and that true love is possible. Girls watching Terri and Steve will be taught about gender equality. Parents will learn they can structure a life that includes their children, that children want to share in their parents' dreams, that homeschooling is good and that family is the center around which all things pivot.

Thank you Steve Irwin for giving your exhuberant all in humility, kindness, and compassion. Thank you Terri Irwin for your courage and bravery in moving forward. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you.