Terri Irwin reveals pain of life without Steve

Terri Irwin has revealed some of the agony of life without Steve a year on, admitting there are times she finds it hard to keep going.

Bindi, Robert and Terri Irwin will spend some special time together in private as a family in the lead-up to the first anniversary of the death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

Check out our new multimedia tribute.

Terri Irwin has revealed some of the agony of life without Steve a year on, admitting there are times she finds it hard to keep going.

“Sometimes I'll wake up and don't want to even get out of bed," she told Reader's Digest.

"But I get up and get dressed for my kids, for the people I work with, for the legacy that Steve's left.

“I think if our roles had been reversed - if Steve was talking to you now and I was an angel watching over my children - I would want to see him being happy and having fun, and living and loving and laughing again. But I have to practise it - it doesn't just come [to] me."

Special : Remembering Steve Irwin

But she is grateful for having "rock solid friends and family" to help honour the Crocodile Hunter's legacy.

In a statement released to the Sunshine Coast Daily, Terri said had promised Steve she would keep the zoo running.

"I remembered a conversation Steve and I had not long after we were married," she said. "Steve said: 'If anything happens to me, promise to keep the zoo running.'

"It wasn't an enormous commitment at the time. With only 10 staff and four acres I readily agreed to keep Australia Zoo going.

"I never imagined tragedy would strike and I never imagined how immense the zoo would grow.

"With over 500 staff, 500 acres, a wildlife hospital, conservation properties, research projects and filming, I definitely have my work cut out for me.

"It has been a busy 12 months, but I know Steve would be proud – with the work we have achieved within Australia Zoo, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, on our many conservation projects and spreading the conservation message, all of which have helped us keep Steve's dreams alive," she said.

"This would not have been possible without the support of so many.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sent messages of love and support – we greatly appreciate it.

"We look forward to celebrating Steve's life and achievements through Steve Irwin Day on November 15.

"Steve left behind an extraordinary legacy which I will ensure lives on forever."

Terri wants all Australians to wear khaki clothing in honour of Steve as part of the national day organised in his memory.

While the Irwin family has pleaded for privacy tomorrow - the one-year-anniversary of Steve's death - it is hoping fans will embrace Steve Irwin Day, suggesting families even camp out in the backyard – and raise money for Wildlife Warriors.

The concept is also being promoted to Irwin's massive overseas fan base, particularly in the US.

Steve Irwin memories

VIEW GALLERY

Originally published as Terri Irwin reveals pain of life without Steve