The Closest I Ever Came to Steve Jobs
If you've met me, then you know I am an Apple fanatic. So, when Steve Jobs passed last night, I felt a distinct emptiness. What would we do without Steve?
I thought about the closest I ever came to Steve—a time when my fandom was at its peak. In 2006, I was an Apple employee at a retail store—I swore that I would never work retail, but this was different.
I decided that I had to be there when Apple opened it's landmark Fifth Avenue Store in New York. I arrived early and secured my place in what would be an epic line. Despite the fact that I was surrounded by other Apple fans, the thought of standing in line all day was not very exciting.
That all changed when I saw him. Steve Jobs ws there. At times I was within 5 feet of him, but was never actually able to shake his hand and let him know how grateful I was for his approach to his company, his products, his life.
As I think back on it now, it's almost fitting that I never got Steve's attention that day. The man remains at arms length for me, but I have been much closer to him than that. I not only use his products, but I feel them.
The greatest part of the man, for me, is that I know him in a way that is more powerful than if I had shook his hand or had a beer wih him.
When I use his products, I connect with Steve's vision. I thrive on his perfectionism and feed on his passion. I understand what he wanted to share with the world. I couldn't possibly get closer to the man than that.
On a day when he has been quoted over and over again, I find it more powerful to think of everything he has said through his work, rather than his words.
