I'll get to why I admire my father, later.
My first experience with computers was with the Apple IIe in my Career Explorations classroom. I looked at that shiny red apple emblem and thought I had gone to Heaven. For the first time, all those lessons my typing teacher drilled in my head were put to use. I could type and remove mistakes. I was thrilled.
Not only the machines, but I was using Steve J. and Steve W. as examples in the Career class. I read the details of their work in a garage and how they struggled to make their dream a reality. I used the details to inspire my students to pursue their interests.
We bought an Apple IIGS at home. I thought the keyboard was the cutest thing I'd every seen. But, alas, along comes Tandy with a PC that's all one piece...no seperate keyboard, monitor, or processor and soon, Apple computers weren't replaced with newer models. Steve Jobs' name appeared in class presentations less often. It seemed Apple computer company had disappeared.
Behind the scenes in the business world, Steve Jobs never gave up. We have proof of that today. His story is more inspiring than ever. Why? Because he had faith in himself. In his product. In his ability. He proved this to the world. He never quit.
That's why I admire my mother's efforts so much. Things I never considered as a child are evident, now. The challenges my mother faced weren't as huge as those faced by big business, but to our family, to my father, her unfailing support meant everything.
I wish I had realized all this while she was living.
We rarely get a chance to thank those who influence us most while they are alive. I thanked my mother for some of the things she did, but as time passes, as memories surface, I realize each day how much I owe her my thanks. My love. My respect.
You see, like Steve Jobs, my mother never quit. Through snow storms and baking summer heat, she worked along side my father to support her family. I never realized all she did until now. It's her grit that keeps me going when a rejection letter arrives in the mail. She never quit. How can I?
Steve Jobs made many of our tasks easier to accomplish because he never quit. My mother's determination reminds me every day to work hard for goals I want to achieve. Failure is not an option. If one idea doesn't work, try another angle.
I never met Steve Jobs, but he changed our lives, changed the world.
My mother changed my life and helped shape my world. Thanks to her love and perseverence, I learned the skills I need to pursue my dreams and use the tools Steve Jobs and Apple, and by their challenge, other companies created.
I admire my mother and Steve Jobs for never giving up.
As a writer...these two people are the good examples of great role models. How about you? Who do you admire?
