Hey True Blue: Steve Irwin, our Mate, He's Fair Dinkum Gone.

by Megan Bayliss | More from this Blogger

20 Sep 2006 03:29 AM

Hey True Blue, don't say you've gone

Say you've knocked off for a smoko

And you'll be back later on

Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue.

Lyrics by John Williamson ("Hey True Blue" was Steve's favorite song and it was sung by John Williamson at Steve's Memorial service at the Australia Zoo on 20.9.06.)

Steve Irwin has knocked off for smoko (finished for a smoke or tea break). His smoko is going to be a long one and people all over the world will sorely miss him. I know that many people are struggling to make sense of such a vibrant life, cut short. The question of "why" is a natural question. We all strive to make sense of things we can't understand. We seek information and reframe our thoughts to match situations that have meaning to us. Click onto John Williamson's song, Hey True Blue, to understand the significance of some of the strong Aussie symbolism in the song.

When grieving for Steve, and trying to make sense of his death, imagine what you would have liked to have said to him. Then, go and say what you want to say to other people that you love. Life is so short. None of us know what's around the corner. Don't allow your strong feelings over Steve's short life to die with him. Use them to improve your relationships and unspoken thoughts with people you know and care deeply about. Don't take their life for granted.

A colleague recently told me that she doesn't do remorse; she does intelligent regret. Her intelligent regret is tempered by knowing that she did all she could in any given situation. And so be it with our loved ones. Use your grief from Steve's public Memorial Service, and allow it to make your life complete and worthwhile. Live life like Steve did: full of commitment and passion with only intelligent regret (an understanding and knowing that you did everything that you could). Leave a legacy of care, rather than a legacy of selfishness or deficient communications.

When somebody we love dies, we often find ourselves repeating their words, favorite phrases, eating the foods they loved, visiting the places they walked, etc. We do this to help us make sense of our loss and to respect our memories of them. Given the Memorial Service was so Australian, your children may be interested to know what the Aussie Slang meant. Visit KoalaNet to help your children make sense of the loss of the language and magic of of Steve Irwin: Crocodile Hunter.

See ya Mate.

Related Families.com articles in tribute to the amazing Aussie, Steve Irwin Crocodile Hero:

When a TV Hero Dies,

The effect of the death of a celebrity,

Ten Facts about the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin,

Swimmers Target Stingrays To Avenge Steve Irwin's Death.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 20 Sep 2006 06:48 PM

Post script to article: The below extract came through email this morning. I thought it relevant enough to share as another way that people are coping with giving understanding to their loss. MB

Hello all

I am sure all will agree with me when I say on the 4th of September, Australia lost its hero, its son, its mate.

Therefore to commiserate and celebrate his life I suggest that the 4th of September should be made into a public holiday for Queensland to remember the boy from Beerwah.

Only once in a lifetime are we touched by someone who is not only willing to make a difference but someone who has the ability to open our eyes and show us the true value of being an Australian.

Let's show our appreciation, support and love for Steve Irwin - The Great Australian.

Please enter below your name, suburb and postcode and forward to all friends and family to show your support - celebrating a true Aussie.

If you are the last person contributing to this please forward the signed email to irwinwarriors@hotmail.com.

Please show your support!

Pintos (10) 26 Sep 2006 01:23 AM

That was sad that he died. On Wednesday evening his wife, Terri, is being interviewed on Oz and U.S T.V.

Megan Bayliss (3586) 26 Sep 2006 01:56 PM

Thanks for mentioning the TV interview Pintos. Guess what I'll be watching Wed night??