Six days after having my first major lung surgery, I was sitting up in bed waiting to go for a walk when the phone rang in my room. I wasn’t 100% coherent, because I was on a lot of medications. I answered the phone. “Karen Grant”, the voice said. “Yes, this is Karen.” “Hi, Karen, this is Steve Jobs.”
I paused for a minute or two thinking is this really Steve Jobs? Why is he calling me? I mean sure, I worked for Apple at the time, but Steve didn’t even know me. How did he know I was here in the hospital? I responded back, “Hi, Steve.” He said he was responding to a letter that my husband sent explaining what I was going through, and how much I loved working at Apple and its products. Steve wished me well and once I was better I would be welcomed back at Apple. I said I was planning on coming back. I also said, “I really like those iPod Minis”- a smaller, colorful version of the iPod.
That phone call meant a lot to me because Steve took a few minutes out of his day to inspire an employee of his going through cancer treatment. At the time, Steve was also battling cancer.
Steve was a visionary and creative genius. Using a Mac and Apple Software opened the door for my creativity. With iPhoto, I could edit photos and create printed albums, with iMovie, I could take videos from my camcorder and create movies with titles, themes and special effects. While working at Apple, I used my talents to teach classes about Apple Software. Eight years after having cancer, I decided to put that creativity to work with photography. What started out as a hobby has turned in to something that I love to do everyday.
I believe that creativity really brings each of us to life.
What do you believe? How are you using your creativity?
