“My Daddy was my hero – he was always there for me when I needed him. He listened to me and taught me so many things, but most of all he was fun.
I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did. He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live.
He took me and my brother and my Mum with him all the time.
We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together.
I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did.
I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day. When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. Daddy made this place his whole life and now it's our turn to help Daddy.”
By Bindi Irwin
No, this was not written by an accomplished author but the young daughter of Steve Irwin, otherwise known as The Crocodile Hunter. Most people find writing and presenting eulogies a most daunting task, even with the aid of eulogy templates. But if a child can do it and so simply too, surely you can give it a go.
It is hard not to tear up when reading this simple statement from the young girl, who obviously adored her father very much. You will find no articulations or verbose statements here, just the deepest feelings of a daughter who has had to learn to live without her hero, her father. And that is essentially, the key to writing a eulogy. Write it from the heart and with feeling.
Bindi Irwin may have been a child when she wrote it but she saw her dad not as a larger-than-life entertainer, but as the man who scooped her up into his arms every day, and tucked her into bed at night. Sure, they also “caught crocodiles together” but this no-frills statement is a testament to her love for her father.
So, when it comes time foryouto write a eulogy of your own, take a cue from this young child. Infuse your speech with feelings; speak of the simpler things like all those moments you shared with the deceased. Reveal to attendees that you see the deceased in so many things and places, as these were things that you did and the places you frequented together. And do not be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve. If you have just lost a spouse or parent, stay vulnerable. Stay collected but do not be afraid to show that the loss you feel is clearly palpable.
While no one likes to deliver a eulogy, you should note that this is a most fitting way to pay tribute to the deceased. And while you may not be a confident public speaker, just let your heart do the talking. After all, if a little girl can speak so honestly and clearly about the loss of her father, to millions worldwide, so can you.
