Terri struggling with loss of her 'Prince'
8:00a.m. 27th September 2006
By JESSICA MARSZALEK and MARK FURLER
TERRI Irwin says she cant shake the idea that Steve will return home from one of his adventures.
Speaking in an interview to be screened on Nine tonight, Terri tells of the bond she had with Steve, who died from a stingray barb to the chest while diving off the far north Queensland coast on September 4.
There never has been before and never will be again another Steve Irwin, she says.
Every day he was my Prince Charming.
Terri relates how she was told by close family friend and manager John Stainton of the accident.
He said theres been a diving accident with Steve (I thought) Dont say it, dont say it, dont say it and he said it. He said those three words. And he died, she said.
Im still at the stage where I think hes going to come home and it didnt really happen.
Terri says she has found it hard to cope but considers herself lucky to have received such support and thanked the public for their thoughts and prayers.
She was particularly grateful for the support during the memorial service at the zoo last week.
I walked into the Crocoseum and I knew people would be missing Steve but the feelings of love and support from Australians was just overwhelming.
He (Steve) would have said, Crikey, mate, I cant believe this.
Millions of fans across Australia and New Zealand are expected to tune into the hour-long special at 8.30pm.
Interviewer Ray Martin, who has a holiday home at Coolum, said Terri was an extraordinary woman.
Of the thousands of interviews Ive done in my career, this is the one that has moved me most.
Her story is too sad, and she admits that she hasnt stopped crying, but this inspiring bloke was the love of her life.
Shes had a terrible three weeks and shes fragile, but shes also determined to fulfil Steves dream for their children and for the animals. That gives her the strength to carry on, Martin said.
He convinced her to do things that she didnt believe she could and its that inspiration that is driving her now.
Terris main concern remains her children. She says that Bindi is handling her grief surprisingly well, but Robert, whos not quite three, is having problems. Shes convinced that Steve is helping her in her decisions.
A separate American ABC special will air in the US 15 hours later. News queen Barbara Walters said Terri spoke of her continuing bond with her husband. She feels he is there.
Terri tells how she is coping one minute at a time sometimes an hour at a time with great faith, great determination.
