No one knew herps could generate a global audience until you exploded on to the scene. Your enthusiasm spawned many others who will live on - your legacy will continue to grow through them - but you'll always be the grand daddy of herp shows, the guy who made it all possible. More kids will come to know herps through your shows and the shows of those who you paved the way for than will ever know herps in the field. Thats an amazing accomplishment, something none of us will every achieve.
I think you packed more living into your 44 years than most of us would live in 144 years. The moral of your life should not be to be more cautious, but rather, to emulate your sheer lust for life, to take risks, to live life to its fullest. Your kids and wife will miss you, but they'll never feel anything other than admiration for you. Thats more than the children of many cautious parents will ever be able to say.
You didn't need to fantasize about an after life - you made sure your life on earth was as close to heaven as humanly possible. Congratulations. Very few of us will ever accomplish what you have.
Joe
