I keep replaying my conversation with Bert last week-
Bert: We're putting up a website for Vlad...
Me: (Nod)
Bert: because he had an a brain aneurysm.
Me: A what?
Bert: A brain aneurysm.
Me: What is that - and is he ok?
Bert: He passed away.
It took a very long while before I was able to understand the news. It doesn't seem possible that Vlad could be gone. As Bert said, you can't help expecting him to walk through the door. You can practically feel the energy he brings into the room.
Just days before, Vlad reassured me that my desire to step back and reevaluate my career is not unusual: "It is actually a normal thing that happens to most of us in our thirties. All of a sudden, it hits you that life is passing very quickly... so you have the need to make sure you are doing the right things, because time is not infinite." Sadly, neither of us had any idea just how finite time would turn out to be.
Looking back at the interactions I was fortunately enough to have with Vlad, I'm certain that he did the right things - both as CEO of 3Tera and in everyday life. He lived passionately and joyfully. He was always bursting with enthusiasm for whatever's at hand. When the going got tough, he'd keep smiling his warm, infectious smile...
If you've ever met Vlad, I'm sure you know what I mean. Please leave a note on Vlad's log of memories. Thanks!!
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