As we go about our life, we never really know how we are going to influence others. We may do our best to leave our mark in the world but we never know when or where that mark is going to land. Steve Irwin was a man who definitely left a mark and in 2006, we were mourning his death.

It’s hard to believe that 12 years have passed since this fun-loving individual has left the scene. Even though it was a shock when we heard about his death, we learned that it wouldn’t necessarily have shocked him at all. His 44-year-old wife, Terri Irwin, is now speaking up about Steve and opening up at the same time.

An Australian television series, “Anh’s Brush With Fame” recently sat with Terri. Admittedly, she is no stranger to these types of discussions but suddenly, she revealed something that took everyone by surprise.

“He never thought he’d have a long life. He always kind of had this sense his life would be cut short.”

Steve’s ‘prediction’ proved to be true. A stingray swimming nearby pierced him in the chest with the barb on its tail while he was filming “Ocean’s Deadliest” in Queensland, Australia. Terri was then notified to contact her zoo manager. She continued the interview by saying:

“I just remember this incredible sense of responsibility, this feeling of overwhelming grief but ‘what do I do next? I kind of collected my thoughts and then had to go out to the car and tell Bindi and Robert … which was really hard.”

By this point in the interview, she had tears in her eyes. She began discussing the last time that she saw Steve. She and her children flew to Tasmania but Steve stayed behind while filming the documentary.

“I remember him at the airstrip waving goodbye. That was the last time we saw him.”

One thing that Terri says would have surprised Steve is how much support was shown after his passing.

“No one would’ve been more surprised than Steve at the outpouring of grief and love.”

Steve Irwin left behind his wife and two young children. Even down to this day, they still love wildlife, just like Steve. Even though he was famous around the world, Terri still admired his ability to not let it go to his head.

“Famous wasn’t a word that occurred to Steve. I loved that about him, he was never pretentious, never big-noted himself, and we did put everything we made for wildlife and still do back into conservation, I’m really proud of that.”

There is no doubt that the world loved Steve Irwin and they continue to look to him, even though he is gone. We are thankful that his children and his wife continue to build on his legacy. RIP Steve Irwin