Last week I had one of those rare moments when I found myself totally preoccupied with something OTHER than what I should have been paying closer attention to... my Dad.
One of the major catalysts behind the creation of OUAT is my father. His backstory of being born and left behind as an orphan in post WWII Germany, and his desire to video document his story is what has become the foundation for my company and is at the heart of its mission.
Several years ago my father was diagnosed with 2nd stage colon cancer. We never really talked in detail about his experience. We talked about the procedure, the recovery and how fortunate he was that all the cancer cells had been removed and that today he is cancer free. So, it was out of the blue that he had this desire to share with me more details about his thoughts, his fears, his regrets and most importantly, his wish that I be be informed "just in case" I was ever faced with the same situation when I got older.
As I reflect on this conversation with my dad, I am reminded just how important it is to take the time to pay attention and fight distractions when our parents are trying to impart something to us, no matter how grown we think we are or how much we think we know.
OUAT is a "change agent" and creates a positive experience for my clients through recording and documenting these moments. Collectively we share experiences that will continue to positively impact our families, our communities and our world. And it all starts with listening and sharing.
Me, Ryan Heathcock, with my dad Virgil Johannes "Kirmess" Heathcock (cancer survivor)
Langobardenstraße, Munich, Germany 2008
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