As you age, the people of your youth start to pass away. It is the inevitable march of time, and the undeniable truth that no one lives forever. After a while, you come to expect hearing of someone passing that brought you joy or made you laugh.
This week was very hard for me. On Thursday, Steve Jobs, who helped create the Microcomputer industry passed away. His vision and tenacity helped give me a career. But worst of all, he was my age.
Then today, Al Davis passed away. Al was the Raiders. For as long as I knew they existed, he was a part of the organization. A renegade and a winner, Al gave me my favorite passion.
Steve and Al will be missed. Others will step forward to take what they created forward into the future. But for me, their successors will not be them. It is indeed a sad week for many of us.
Rest in Peace Steve and Al.