I re-read a transcript of his 2005 speech to Standford graduates last night after I heard about his death. I worked with people at Apple from 2004 to 2006 while a product manager for UserLand Software, the company that made the first blogging software, Radio UserLand. I wrote code and traveled to some conferences where I met people that worked with Steve. It was as close as I ever got to meeting him.

Steve Jobs has always held a special place in my personal and professional life. His brand of drive and commitment was something I admired, and in recent years, have forgotten to apply to myself. Like many today, I’ll be remembering stories of previous Apple products and how they affected and continue to affect me.

Without a doubt, I would not be the person am I today without the opportunities and tools that Steve Jobs gave us all.