A Celebration of Life

On Wednesday, October 18th, Apple held a private memorial service so that all employees could celebrate the life of Steve Jobs together. The event was held on a beautiful sunny day at the Cupertino campus, but Apple stores around the world closed its stores for a few hours, and the Austin campus gathered in common areas, so that we could watch the event being video streamed. Obviously, it was a once in a lifetime experience.

Tim Cook spoke most of the time, and acknowledged Steve's wife Laurene, who was in attendance. Seeing her is what set off the tears in my eyes, as there is no doubt the love that was shared between those two. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to lose your life partner at such a young age.

Several speakers shared personal, funny, insightful and touching stories of their experiences with Steve. And we were surprised by 2 performers, Norah Jones (who sang a most beautiful version of Bob Dylan's Forever Young), and Coldplay, who set the waterworks off again when he sang Fix You. It was truly an amazing event to watch, and I felt so honored to work for a company who recognized the importance of sharing those moments together.

Every one has their own ideas of death, and life after death. I know only one thing- that I feel strongly about how my life is celebrated when I'm no longer here. Burial, organ music and ugly flowers? No thanks! Tears are always inevitable, but how great to be out under the sunshine, telling stories that bring happy tears to people's eyes, and taking comfort being with people. Cremate me and scatter my ashes in Town Lake, where I've logged countless, enjoyable miles running that beautiful trail. My death might not warrant a private performance by Coldplay, but laughter, sunflowers, and maybe some margaritas are just some of the things I would like to be included when my time has come. I'm sure Steve would have loved the festivities that took place on Wednesday!

Apple has created a memorial page for Steve, posting comments left from people around the world. It's quite possible that in this lifetime, we will never know someone else who has impacted such an astonishing amount of people, in so many different ways. What an honor to have been even a teeny, tiny part of the magic that is Apple!