Hello, I am so sorry for your loss. I have shed many tears this week, and I never even met Steve (was a dream of mine for many years, though!). Steve gave me great courage and strength as I began my work in our local zoo's reptile department (a great challenge, as I am in a wheelchair!)
Terri, I know I'm not a celebrity, etc, but I wanted to offer you my condolences, prayers, and support. I was very fond of Steve, and his compassion for the reptiles and all wildlife. He will always be in my heart...
I am here if you ever want to write, or chat. I recently lost a close friend, and my only brother. My doc says I'm "on my way out", but I wanted you to know I love you guys, and you'll always be in my thoughts and prayers...
pastor (and herpetoculturalist) aaron
a.mathews@adelphia.net

Dear Pastor,

The doctors don't know when you are on your way out! I know you know the report of the Lord.

I commend you for being willing to work with "creepy-crawlies" in a wheelchair. That's dedication

The Lord bless you,
Kim

Kim,
Youre right! Thanks for the response! And thanks for the kind words, like I said, it was through watching steve that I took the first "step", and started one on one interaction with snakes (they are my "specialty"). Id always admired them from a distance, but I learned a great deal by watching and listening to steve, ya know?
I have a question, the one thing I never learned about steve, did he belong to any faith/denomination?
God Bless,
Aaron

Hey Pastor,

My late husband was in a wheelchair for the last year of his life. I really admire you. He never would have taken on such a task. It was hard enough to get him outside to "wheel" the neighborhood.

As far as Steve's faith. The only things I have heard from his mouth in regard to God was, "God put me on this earth for this reason, to protect wildlife." I do know he admired the Buddhist monks. If you get a chance to watch the specials about his life you will see the monks dedicating the Crocoseum and Baby Bob. That's when the whole story came out about him putting his son in grave danger (I never believed that). Anyway, I've never heard of an organized religion he was part of, or if he was a believer in Christ.

You and I know that the emptiness people are so deeply expressing is they have no hope. I am glad I have that hope. That I will see my husband again. I can only hope that at some point in his life Steve began to worship the creator not the created. Funny htat wasmy kids first question. They both wanted to know if we meet him in heaven. I had to sadly say I didn't know, because I didn't know if he believed in Jesus as his Saviour as we do. That was sad.

I hope all goes well with you. I don't know if this is right, but my home email is OmegaToo@juno.com. Should you want to carry on the conversation in a more private forum.

The Lord Bless You,
Kim

Kim,
Hello again, my new friend! I sent you an email last eve, sooo, let me know if it made it, ok? Looking forward to chatting.
Aaron