My life changed the day my half-sister lent me an old Mac Plus to play around with when I was 16. It was my first computer. The following summer I worked everyday mowing the largest lawns I could find, painting houses, and just about any odd job that came my way so I could buy my very own first Mac. A Performa 5300.

Without the Mac, I may not have even realized it was my dream to become a graphic designer.

Without the beauty, simplicity, efficiency and personality of the Mac OS, I probably wouldn't have become as passionate about user interface, and user experience design as I have.

Without the iPhone, and subsequently the iPad, I wouldn't have had my business change so drastically to one of primarily mobile user experience design and strategy.

Without watching Steve innovate and push the limits of technology again and again, regardless of whether others saw the magic in the products he spearheaded, and stood behind his vision no matter how much push-back and nay-saying circulated, I'm not sure if I would be so adamant about fighting for the products and solutions I put forth with my company for my customers, and ultimately theirs.

Without Steve Jobs, Apple, and the products they create, I can honestly say my life would not be as it is today.

For that, I say thank you Steve. You have been an inspiration, not only a thought-leader but a thought-changer, and an individual for which I have always held in the highest respect and admiration.

You will be greatly missed by those who's lives were changed, steered, or improved by your tireless passion and genius and the products born from it.