IS ENOUGH ENOUGH ?

Should we compare our lives, or just live them?

When Apple’s Steve Jobs died last month, the accolades predictably poured in. Jobs was called “visionary,” “brilliant” and a “genius” by those who knew him as well as those who did not. His impact on our lives was debated and discussed, with the general consensus that without Jobs, our lives would be somewhat less than they are today.

Jobs was hailed as someone who truly made a difference in others’ lives, and in his case, he made a difference in so many peoples’ lives that it seemed to validate the idea that his was a life well-lived.

In a way, his life has become a kind of ideal, a measuring stick for the rest of us slogging along life’s pothole-filled highway.

In this same context, our youngest son has been completing college entrance applications, most of which require applicants to answer an essay question or two or three to demonstrate why he should be admitted to the school. What’s unspoken is that our son’s essay, test scores and recommendations will be measured and judged against all comers; some will win the golden key, many more will walk away with something other than what they wanted.

One of the essays our son wrote talked about his interest in “making his mark” in the world, his desire to become wellknown and well-respected for accomplishing something with his life.

As I read his comments, and as I thought about Jobs’ life, I was struck with a deceptively simple thought: How much of a positive impact do we need to have on others so that we are judged to have “made our mark” and lived a worthwhile life?

Clearly, Jobs was a once-in-a-generation talent. His zeal for perfection and his sense of design made him and his products household names throughout the world.

Meanwhile, our son is just getting started in the life-building business. He has desire, tools and personality, but what are the odds that when all is said and done, he or any of the rest of us, for that matter — will be judged equal to or greater than Steve Jobs? More to the point, how close do we have to come to that ideal — assuming Jobs and his life are ideals — to be judged “successful” when the final bell is rung?

At this point in his life, our son isn’t burdened much by comparisons or equivocations. His life is in front of him, and he has no reason to worry about limitations or road blocks or measuring up to anyone else.

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The hyper-involved senior citizens we’ve written about in this month’s magazine are at the other end of that life scale — they’ve lived a good portion of their lives, and they’re still active, still involved and still impacting others. Collectively, they’re volunteering at a clip that belies their age and puts many of us to shame.

But there’s still that question nagging at me.

Do they, or do we, need to measure up to Jobs to be deemed “successful” when all is said and done?

It’s an interesting point to consider, when we run out of other things to worry about: In life, how much is enough?

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Remembering Bruce Felps

I met Bruce when I was being shoved into this thing called PR [Advocate Back Talk blog, “Bruce Felps, community blogger, has died,” Oct. 14]. Seems so long ago. For a year, he and I shared many emails. I provided him tidbits; he taught me tons. Over the years we’d run into each other from time to time. Though our paths didn’t cross often, I will miss Bruce. He was a good guy who never hesitated to lend me an assist, and I am forever thankful to have received his kindness. —Rarepair

Bruce had a sharp wit and made many good observations which made his writing so good. I had lunch with him one day some time ago and asked if he would ever write a book. He said, “Making a living keeps getting in the way, so maybe later.” One of my doctors (who died last year) said the same thing. Sometimes we forget that time doesn’t wait. If you want to do something, make the most of the present. I’ll miss Bruce, and know many others will too.

—Tomatodallas

Premiere Video

Sam and Premiere Video are a local treasure [“Premiere Video lives on in a digital world,” October Advocate]. Aside from his amazing selections within the store, Sam has filmed six musical and theater productions at the Highlander School every year for many years now. He puts the shows on DVD for the parents to purchase at a price I am quite sure does not come close to covering his time and cost. He also has converted many home movies on VHS to DVD for us. We adore him and his generous spirit! Support him and his business any chance you get.

—Leighannm

Even my jaded New York friends (visiting) think Premiere Video is astounding!

—Citizenkane

Zoe’s in Lakewood?

Wouldn’t that make three Mediterranean restaurants [Advocate Back Talk Blog “Zöe’s Kitchen considers Lakewood outpost,” Sept. 19] within fist-bump distance from each other if Zöe’s lands in Lakewood Shopping Center?

—Inkwell222

Come to Lakewood, Zöe’s. Many on-the-go moms like myself would welcome a fast, healthy and delicious option for pick-up or dining in with or without kids. The neighborhood needs something like this. —Scfull

Lakewood, Lakewood, Lakewood! Please!

We love Zoe’s.

Lower Greenville food trucks

—Erik

We

—Paranoid Ken

The change in plans [Advocate Back Talk blog, “Building planned for Lower Greenville food truck court,” Oct. 13] makes me wonder if there is a lesson here. It sometimes seems that whatever a developer tells you he is going to do on Lower Greenville Avenue, well, he’s actually going to do something else. And that “something else” is going to involve more emphasis on liquor sales. Just a thought. I don’t want to sound like one of those paranoid homeowner-people who live near Greenville Avenue.