In his last visit with Steve Jobs, biographer Walter Isaacson asked Jobs, a characteristically private person, why he had revealed so much of himself to Isaacson over the last few years. Isaacson writes that Jobs responded with, “I wanted my kids to know me. I wasn’t always there for them, and I wanted them to know why and to understand what I did.”

“I wanted my kids to know me.” I believe that statement gets to the heart of all significant relationships – to know and be known. Jobs recognized that in the process of changing the world his kids might not have understood. From what I’ve read about Jobs and others who intimately face their own mortality I doubt very much that he relied on his biography to reveal himself to his kids. They will forever know this “American Icon” in depths that many desire but only they deserve. Yet Jobs motivation to reveal himself was driven in part by the desire to provide his kids with the broader context of his life. A story most of us will tell, embellish and live with our children and significant others well passed the years Jobs had available.

You may not be the leader of the world’s most valuable company or knowingly facing the last years of your life, but your story is being written by how you live today. In many ways we are what we do. What are you choosing to do today to deepen your connection with those you love?

Rich Batten is the father of four and the Director of Technical Assistance Services for Public Strategies, Inc.