My Sunday with Terri Irwin
by Glen Williams

Terri Irwin is so beautiful, fragile, and strong.

Despite the overwhelming sadness that prompted our meeting, I spent one of the most inspired, loving Sunday afternoons of my career.

I came away completely shattered by Terri's grief, overwhelmed by her immense strength and unshakeable faith, humbled by her generosity and big heart despite it being currently shattered.

Such is her amazing outlook, rather than feeling cheated by the death of the man she loves so deeply, Terri chooses to see the positive.

"I just feel blessed that we had 14 years together," she said as she walked me through the magical grounds of the paradise Steve created, Australia Zoo. "So blessed to have two very beautiful children…

"And I know I'm going to see Steve again, in heaven. My faith is not rattled by this — it's what's getting me through."

Terri's emotions are so raw she's exhausted from crying and trying to be brave at the same time. You just want to hold her and tell her something, anything that will take away this overwhelming anguish that causes her to breakdown.

We chat as old friends, hopping from grief to laughter and back again. It felt such a privilege to talk to Terri, to cry with her and to pray with her at the end our interview.

One minute she was so shattered, the next, those beautiful eyes so tired from crying, would sparkle as she recalled so many of the fun times she had with her big kid of a husband.

"He truly was magical," she told me. "It's nice in this day and age that we can have a hero, have someone who actually is who he seemed to be."

I felt truly grateful that Terri has Wes Mannion, Steve's best mate to hold fast to.

"Every morning I have therapy with Wes and a little cry," she said. "I think because he was Steve's best friend and knew Steve longer than me it's extremely helpful. "We can talk about good times and then it gets me through another hour."

The animals too are working their magic. They sense Terri's grief and draw near to comfort her. It's like something out of Dr Doolittle, they communicate with each other, and her face becomes a picture of serenity in their keeping. It's truly surreal. I'm standing with Terri talking about Steve, sharing the space with a fat wombat, a baby alligator, a cockatoo, a python and three elephants. I'll never forget it.

I leave Terri with a hug.

"I don't want this to die with Steve," she said, looking around the zoo he so lovingly created. "This zoo, his conservation work, his children, and his passion for life are going to be his legacy."

As I leave, Wes comes up and gives me a hug. "That was awesome," he said. "You took the time to care for Terri and not just fire questions at her."

It's Terri Irwin who's awesome. I loved meeting her.

http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=148594

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I just thought this was a terrific article!
Terri is wonderful! I love that Wes and Terri have Steve chats each day - what a wonderful friend!

Thanks for posting. I'm so happy they have each other to lean on.

Blessings,
Bayed

I am happy to hear that Wes is helping Terri get through this.

Good to hear Wes is help'n out with all of his heart. Happy to hear he's givin a good backup for Terri, Bindi & Bob.

So Sad what happened, but one thing CROCS RULE! and always they will, I was planning to buy an Australian Flag and hang it out every September 04 , as a remembrance of such a great man, every September 04 should be held as a Steve Irwin Memorial Day.

aww, that's so sweet. I'm touched by Terri too as I see the anguish but the determination to go on, to continue to live her life in a meaningful way with the belief that they will all be together again. She's awesome!

And way to go Wes!...supporting Terri and the family...I'm sure she has been there for you too.
I've no doubt the whole of Australia Zoo has grown ever closer as well.

Thanks bakerswife for sharing that great article with everyone. It's a terrific article thank God by a caring reporter. Terry seems to have a strong faith and is a strong individual, and she will get through this.

If I was in Terri's state I would think "I have to get through this there is no other option"

And with Wes'help and therapy she will pull on through, thank yop greatly for that meeting Glen Williams, the way you handeled her and so on, so heartly dealt with.

Thanks for posting,its a great article.Its nice Terri has Wes for support,he sounds like a really nice guy and a good friend to Terri.

Thanks, this was a great article.

I was wondering, there used to be a thread for posting media, articles, and tributes. I tried to go there but it was gone. Was it moved, or just taken down?

Jess

I think its great about Wes. No one remembers that he and Steve were best friends. I hope he can deal. Just as much as I hope Terri and the kids can deal. I will never forget Steve he taught me to love wildlife and I will never forget him. Sometimes I still can't stop myself from crying.
Angelica

I hope Wes is going to be okay. Hearing his tearful speech at the memorial, I really felt for him. He and Steve were like brothers. we mustn't forget Wes -- this has to be sheer agony for him, too.

When he said "I'll miss you mate" was the saddest part because you could hear the pain in his voice. I cry just thinking about it. Wes and Steve were friends like no other, they did everything together. It's gonna be hard for Wes, but I'm glad he and Terri have each other to get through this. Together, they will make sure Steve's legacy lives on.

I am really glad she has Wes and that they help each other through this ordeal. He was Steve's best friend after all, and he seems like a really great guy.

And to the poster above me, I thought it was the saddest part too. Just to hear his voice cracking made me tear up.