As the days go by, the reality of Steve's passing is sinking in. I woke up in middle of the night last night, and prayed to God, but I also had many questions for him. While I don't understand why Steve's span on earth was too short, God knows. Yes, sometimes our faith is shaken down to the very core, but when I realize the glorious things that Steve must be experiencing now, this Earth pales in comparsion.

I prayed that God would somehow reach into my heart and ease this hurt for a man I felt I knew. I can and my family can see how this sadness has overcome me and I've got to find a way to emerge from a tunnel of grief.

Today, I am sending a check to the Wildlife Warriors, and adding computer wallpaper of Steve to remind me of his message daily. Tomorrow, I will begin to find other ways to carry on his conservation work and will try to begin with a new perspective. Somewhere in my heart I hear a whisper that Steve is okay and with the Creator of all things, and that even if he could, the Glory he is experiencing now would not be traded.

Today also this prayer comes to mind:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I can't change
to change the things I can,
and the Wisdom to know the difference.

As much as I wish we could, we can't bring Steve back.

But we can start from here, and carry on Steve's legacy. That is all Steve ever asked and it is the least we can do to "pay it forward".

Yes...what a great movie Pay It Forward is and a powerful concept.
I had the idea last night that instead of buying my grandson a toy for his birthday, I am going to send a donation in his name (which is Steven), to the Wildlife Warrior fund, too.
The following has come to mind...
Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.