If we’re lucky, in our lifetimes our paths cross with real-life angels. 

Like shooting stars, they light up the lives of everyone they come in contact with… and they leave us too soon. John Ruhlin was one of those shooting stars.

Even though I only knew him for a short time, I was lucky enough to have felt the awe and “love bombs” from his brilliance. Every time he sent a message, he would sign off with a heart emoji and a bomb emoji. He always wanted to send people heart bombs.

John wasn’t just a generous person. He made you feel seen. Important. Valued. And he encouraged you to do the same for others. John knew that everything in life came down to relationships and emotional connection. 

He once said that when you make people feel something, they’ll remember you. They’ll seek you out to do business with you, become ambassadors of your brand, and go out of their way to make sure you win. Through his company, Giftology, he encouraged others to do the same. 

John and I were introduced through Facebook by a mutual friend. We got on a call and hit it off right away like old friends. John told me a little bit about his business, but he really cared more about me and my story. 

At the end of our conversation, he asked me for my address. I thought that was strange, but a short time later, I received a package from him with a copy of his book, Giftology.

Only John never just sent a book. He made everything he did a whole experience. So, he’d sent his book in the most beautiful box. When I opened the box, he had a personalized video commemorating everything we’d talked about during that call.

He’d created such an emotional experience for me that it melted my face off. Who takes the time to send something like that?

John did. 

And he created a business helping others make the people in their lives feel special. The more I thought about it, the more I understood this was what he was put on this earth to do.

Not long ago, I was doing a webinar for The Arena Mastermind with Gary Vee. I mentioned John and Giftology when Gary was talking about sending clients surprise-and-delight gifts. Later, I shared the clip with John. He was so appreciative and posted it on LinkedIn. That was the last post he ever made. 

I never met John’s wife and four beautiful daughters, but he talked about them constantly. I knew how much they meant to him and how he wanted to travel less and spend more time with them. 

I never met John in person, either. Actually, I’d just bought plane tickets to go to St. Louis to do a podcast with him on August 20 when I heard the news of his sudden passing. Like everyone who knew John, I was devastated. 

I wanted to use Giftology’s services to surprise and delight the people in my business. John wanted to get started right away, but I was dragging my feet. We were finally going to hash out my whole gifting program and what I wanted to do when I went to interview him. 

Only he left us too soon. 

I wish I’d acted faster on these things. I wish I’d gone earlier to meet John. I wish I’d been a better friend to him during the short time that I knew him. 

John’s faith was paramount to him. He emulated Jesus's teachings and modeled them through his life and business. Almost like Jesus, John was only here for a short time but did so much while he was with us on earth. 

I believe Jesus sent John as an angel down to earth as a gift. Heaven took John back so early, so we wouldn’t forget the emotional impact he had on our lives. 

After all, John’s birthday was March 16 (3/16). John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John once said: You’ll never regret giving more than is reasonable. Love others how they want to be loved. There are no accidents; we’re all here on purpose. 

Clearly John was put here on purpose to make an impact on thousands and thousands of the most influential people in the world. He inspired everyone he met to give and give and give. 

That’s how we can honor John and ensure his legacy lives on. 

I pledge to make a positive impact on the people in my life. Now. Today. Because John has shown us that you can be young and in excellent health, but tomorrow is never guaranteed.

How will you impact on the people in your life?

To help his family as they grieve the loss of this amazing angel, please consider donating to the GoFundMe page set up to support them.