Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin shared the messages on Australian Father's Day which also happens to be Steve's death anniversary with adorable images from their childhood.
Those who loved Steve Irwin will always carry his memories and legacy in their hearts. For Australian Father's Day, which also happens to be the 16th anniversary of the Crocodile Hunter star's passing, Bindi Irwin and brother Robert Irwin honored their late father with some adorable images of them with their dad during their childhood, per People.
The 18-year-old Robert posted a picture of Steve holding him as a baby, captioned, "It's Father's Day today in Australia, and I am sending my love to those who are missing their dad today. I cherish all the good times with my dad and feel grateful to be able to keep his memory and legacy alive."
Bindi, 24, shared a photo of herself cradling a newborn crocodile while sitting on a boat with her father. She wrote in the caption, "Grandpa Crocodile, I know you would've been the most incredible grandfather because you were such an extraordinary dad. Thank you for being an amazing guardian angel for Grace."
Steve Irwin passed in 2006 after being fatally stung more than 100 times by a stingray while he was on an expedition on the Australian coast. At the time of his death, he was 44 years old. Steve relished any chance to share his passion for animals with his children, Bindi and Robert. He taught them the importance of showing kindness to all living things. Steve was immensely proud of his kids and frequently expressed the desire that if he was remembered for anything, it would be for being a good father, per Australia Zoo. His desire is now being honored by his children, who frequently express the wonder their father was and keep him alive in their memories.
Bindi shared in an earlier interview with People that she strives to keep Steve's legacy alive through their child. She said, "We have so many documentaries of Dad, and we're always playing them for Grace. It's so fun to watch her study him. I didn't realize how much Dad's passion for life and his animated facial expressions—I mean, they captivate her."
She says she sees parts of Steve in her daughter, "I definitely see parts of [Dad] in Grace. His determination and his inability to sit still. I think that's really special. I'm excited to see as she grows up how her personality will develop. If Dad was around, honestly, we would never see her. He would be in love."
In 2018, Bindi spoke about how people told her things would get better with time, but they never did. “I remember people coming up to me and saying, ‘I’m sorry for your loss, sweetheart. Time heals all wounds.’ But that’s just not true,” said Bindi. “It’s like losing a part of your heart, and when you’ve lost that, you never get it back.” She also mentioned that watching old footage of her dad sometimes brings tears to her eyes. Somedays are particularly harder for her when she wishes for him to be there but realizes that he isn't there.
References:
https://people.com/tv/bindi-robert-irwin-pay-tribute-steve-irwin-16-years-after-his-death/
https://www.australiazoo.com.au/about-us/the-irwins/steve/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiFGKUjLurQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Australia Zoo
