Crikey... he's gone!

Crikey's sudden demise brought sadness not just to many people around the world, but to someone so precious to me and my husband - our four year old son.

The news broke out yesterday afternoon. I was in disbelief. After reading the article, a part of me wished that they had the wrong person. How could a sting ray possibly kill a Steve Irwin? I am not a big fan of Steve but I feel distressed for he has left two young children.

I remember late last year when we visited Stevo's zoo up in the Sunshine Coast. Wiji had a blast during the "Crocs show" and overall had fun experiencing the wild life.

So when I came home last night, I told him Crikey's. And he asked me, "Where did he go?". Knowing he has no concept of death, I just told him that Crikey went to heaven already. But just like any other child, as if every answer you give them will never be enough, he threw a "Why?". I told him bluntly that he's dead because a sting ray "tusok" (pierced) his heart. And I thought being blunt will keep the conversation short. Still I got another question "What's dead?".

So how can I possibly describe or animate death to a child? Crikey! In the end, he understood that he will never see Steve again. That he's gone and he's never coming back.

Today on the way to his pre-school, we were listening on the radio for some Steve Irwin updates and tributes on the air. As soon as he heard something related to Steve, he cried out, "Steve! Crikey!? Bad sting ray! Naughty naughty sting ray!!!".
(Oh, Mr. Sting Ray, what have you done!)

I'm not so bothered even if Wiji sounded upset. I know one day he will understand.