Dear Terri, Bindi, and baby Robert,
I just want to send our deepest sympathies to you guys, Steve's dad, and the rest of your families. We were so stunned and just unbelievably sad at the news of Steve's death. It just felt like something bigger than I could comprehend had been taken from the world, but especially from you all. My thoughts immidiatley turned to you, Terri, as I am a mother of 3- our oldest daughter will be 8 in Novmeber. When we told her of Steve's death she said, "But Bindi is my age." I just wanted to send condolences, and give you a story that may help you a little.
Jade (our daughter) grew up watching Steve on tv. She is now one of the most animal savvy kids I know. She could give a tour of our local zoo at the age of 4. She loves all animals and knows to respect them. She finds toads, caterpillars, and can spot a ladybug from 50 feet! She loves to pick them up, look at them, and put them someplace safe when she is done examining them. We had birds build a nest in our BBQ grill this summer, and she wouldn't let us destroy it because there were eggs in there. We didn't use our grill for weeks! She wants to be a zookeeper "like Steve" when she grows up, and I have no doubt in my mind that, while here daddy also loves wildlife and he encourages her, her desire to be a zoologist is due in very large part to Steve. I just wanted to thank you, his family, for sharing him with the world, and especially for sharing him with my family. He reached across thousands of miles and thru a tv screen to inspire at least one child to follow in his footsteps. He will be sorely missed.
May God wrap his loving arms around you as you mourn. You are in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy and appreciation,
The Lewis family
Kansas, USA