Steve Irwin's dad longs to see his grandchildren

It's a terrible thing when families fall out and as a result of a tiff between Bob Irwin and his late son's wife Terri, he hasn't seen Bindi or Bob since November 2008 and it's breaking his heart. He thought Terri may have weakened and sent the children to see him when he had his near fatal heart attack in March. But a statement released by Terri said that the family was in America when Bob was hospitalised and "Bindi hopes that this will be the catalyst to encourage her poppy to quit smoking as Bindi is very worried about her poppy". I bet that went down like a lead balloon.

I don't doubt for a minute that Bob Irwin is probably a tough old boy and could be difficult to deal with but no matter what the argument was about, Terri should bite the bullet and give both children the opportunity to spend what little time is left with the man who helped make their father one of the best known animal lovers in the world.

"This is not about Bob Irwin the wildlife warrior or Bindi Irwin the television star - this is about a grandad and his grandchildren" Bob said.

Steve's affection and respect for his father was well known, he even called his son after him and it's a pity things have turned out this way.