The first Christmas after my sister died, I took my niece and nephew to the mall to see Santa.  A local hospice had set up three trees, filled with mirrored star ornaments to commerate and remember loved ones who had died. 

My nephew wanted to make a star and after writing her name and spending a long time circling the trees to find just the perfect spot, he placed it on the tree. We stood there for a long time in front of that tree, looking at her ornament, a shiny little mirrored star that said simply "mommy" in the handwriting of a 5 year old.

As we walked away and headed up the escalator on our way to Santa, my nephew kept turning around for one more look at the tree.  I pulled him close to my side and made a comment about being really sad, and he looked up at me, saying, "Oh no auntie, I'm happy.  Look at all the people mommy has to play with in heaven."

Yesterday was the anniversary of my mother's death, and the day Steve Jobs lost his battle with cancer.

I can't help thinking about the words of my nephew all those years ago and that all those we have loved and lost now have another person to play with in heaven.

Rest in peace Steve Jobs.  If there is one thing you left us to hold onto, it is the truth behind your words, "Those that are crazy enough to believe they can change the world, are the ones who do."

And these words, which will be my constant reminder:

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