Today, February 22, 2019, would have been famed crocodile hunter Steve Irwin’s 57th birthday.
Though Steve has been gone for nearly 13 years since he suffered a fatal attack by a stingray, his memory lives on through the ones he loved most — and even his very own Google Doodle commemorating the legend he was.
His 20-year-old daughter Bindi has honored her father on many occasions, from her “Dancing With The Stars” performances to special birthday tributes on social media.
“Thank you for always being my guiding light,” Bindi wrote on Instagram today, alongside a picture of her father holding her in one arm and a koala bear in the other.
But perhaps the most noteworthy memory of Steve was one dug up by his father, Bob, who discovered a letter written by his son over [10] years after his death. It was penned by 32-year-old Steve.
Instagram/@bindisueirwin
Bob discovered the letter in a sealed envelope when it fell out of a book he was reading during his memoir research.
On the front of the envelope was a brief but beautiful message: “Please be happy to know that your strength and wisdom have been passed on.”
Inside, Steve wrote a tear-jerking letter to his parents, commending them for their “strength and endurance” in raising him and calling them his “best friends.”