R.I.P.

Whenever people die I have this increased fascination of their life, and some regret I did not pay enough homage before to who they were.  I am drawn to reading about inspirational quotes, difficulties they overcame, and achievements along the way.  For a period they are immortalized, as their souls leave this earth we sing their praises, and that is how it should be for everyone that dies.  I don't know if this is an abnormal reaction to feel connected to those who have passed on.  People sometimes avoid the topic of death because it is too sad to recognize, but we need to embrace death.  In remembering, we celebrate.   There is grief but more of a sense of my soul being touched.  It's easier if I never personally met the individual, I am somewhat disconnected to the pure emotions of loss.  I am left with appreciation for them being on this earth. 


And so when Steve Jobs died yesterday this was repeated.  At first when I heard the news, there was a small sense of shock.  My fiance started the call with, "I have some bad news."  I immediately felt it was someone I knew.  It was sad, but a sense of relief I had not lost a family member.   I was shocked but disconnected.  Yet as the minutes passed, I thought how much my life was impacted by this man.  For the past 5-10 years my life has begun transforming to an apple domain.   Two apple laptops, i pod, and several versions of the i phone.  The way I communicate with the world is through apple products, all started from this one person.  A creation he made in a California garage with his friend 30 years ago.  He was part of a period that made technology and communication tangible and fun for the masses of people.  


Yet in his death what has been moving me is the quotes of how he lived his life.  Bound by his passions, perseverance, and confidence.  


"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." (Steve Jobs, 2005)

So in losing Steve, I hope we remember how he chose to live each day.


RIP Steve, ,we have been touched and impacted by your visionary genius that changed how we create and dream