The touching moment when Steve Jobs, the Apple visionary, expressed remorse to his daughter for years of mistreatment has been disclosed in her revealing memoir.
In his final days before succumbing to pancreatic cancer at the age of 56 in 2011, Jobs tearfully acknowledged his shortcomings to Lisa Brennan, repeatedly expressing, ‘I owe you one, I owe you one’.
Reflecting on his past, Jobs admitted his regret for not allocating enough time to Lisa during her formative years.
Despite his apology, a poignant revelation emerged as Jobs disclosed the reason behind his prolonged silence towards Lisa, neglecting her on significant occasions for a decade.
The rift stemmed from a minor incident where Jobs felt slighted after not being invited to Lisa’s orientation day at Harvard, a grudge he silently harbored for ten years without explanation.
When questioned about his distant behavior, Jobs, renowned for inventing the iPhone, cryptically responded, ‘I’m not too adept at communication’.
Lisa’s memoir, titled ‘Small Fry’, which recently hit shelves via Grove Atlantic, paints a stark picture of her father’s harsh treatment towards both her and her mother, Chrisann Brennan.
Describing Jobs, Lisa highlights the fine line between his moments of civility and sudden outbursts of cruelty, portraying a man whose demeanor could swiftly shift.
In one vivid recollection, Lisa recounts an incident when Jobs verbally lashed out at her friend Sarah over a trivial matter, criticizing her voice and eating habits in a demeaning manner.
Chrisann attempted to intervene, prompting Jobs to express his desire to be elsewhere rather than spending another moment with them.
The memoir delves deeper into instances where Jobs exhibited similar brusque behavior, even reprimanding a waitress over his dissatisfaction with a carrot salad at a restaurant.
Lisa vividly details how Jobs demanded precise measurements for his carrots, berating the staff and displaying a lack of tolerance for perceived inadequacies in service.
Despite the waitress’s efforts to rectify the situation, Jobs continued his tirade, leaving her visibly distressed as he dictated his preferences with disdain.
‘Small Fry’ offers insight into the turbulent relationship between Lisa and Jobs, stemming from their contentious history following her birth in 1978 and the subsequent legal battles to establish paternity.
Jobs initially denied fathering Lisa, leading to a protracted legal dispute and eventual court-mandated child support payment, despite his initial resistance.
The memoir sheds light on the complexities of their bond, highlighting the challenges and emotional turmoil that defined their interactions over the years.
Through Lisa’s candid account, readers gain a glimpse into the tumultuous dynamics within the Jobs family, showcasing the vulnerabilities and complexities that underpinned their relationships.
As ‘Small Fry’ invites readers into the intimate world of Lisa Brennan-Jobs and her reflections on her father’s legacy, it underscores the multifaceted nature of familial ties and the enduring impact of past grievances on personal growth and reconciliation.
