Celebrate Responsibly, Happy Independence Day!

OUAT Blog for July 4th

Eat, drink and make merry this 4th of July!  Many of us can think back to our childhood to fireworks, cookout's, beaches, lakes and many other memories we celebrated with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents on Independence Day.  Right? One of the hallmarks of the summer season is this "Lipton Ice Tea Plunge" time of year when we literally went outside to have FUN!  However, as some of us have gotten older and started to look into the meaning behind the holiday, it suddenly got a little complicated, depending on your point of view.

As an African American and a member of the First Nation of the Tuscarora Indians I can fully appreciate that on July 4th, 1776 a sizeable portion of my ancestors who happened to be here and had any part in the revolutionary war did so under very "interesting" circumstances. Notwithstanding that in short order, the legalization of slave labor marking the mass importation of African men, women and children against their will to the newly liberated former colonies, would set in motion a social direction that our country, to this day, has struggled to come to terms with.  Not to mention the geocide and near extermination of native tribes throughout the former colonies, which is still a blithe on the consciousness of this country.

Today's blog, however, is not about uncovering uncomfortable and unpleasant truths behind this national holiday, it is  about understanding, yet again, the importance of coming to terms with what is the actual origin story of our nation and how we individually play a part in that story today. Likewise, it is also about the attitude we have in celebrating this holiday with our friends, families and loved ones and the story we frame for future generations to come.

As I stated in my opening, I recall many a firework display and an endless stream of those glittery sparkling sticks.  The notion that the idea of an independent and free country would be able to celebrate its freedoms collectively is a good notion, a good thing. Whether we can actually pull it off in this current climate of constant terror threats and pending, looming fear is another challenge altogether, depending on your politics and attitude.

For my part, I would hope that the memories I have of the free, friendly, family and community celebrations of my youth will be passed on to my daughter for her to share with her children in the years to come.  I hope that the readers of this blog would want to pass along the same, if not similar experiences for their children, their neighbors children and extended families, to expand the narrative that TODAY we are a nation of diverse people who have one key thing in common, a celebration of freedom and hope for a brighter, brilliant future.

If you can, spend time with a young person today, planting a positive memory that he or she will want to share when they get to be your age. Remember that we were all children once, running, playing and having fun. Keep in mind also that today’s children will one day be tomorrow’s adults and they will take our place sharing their stories about us, to their children and to the generations to come.

Father's Day 2016

OUAT Blog for June 20th

Some national holidays are more impactful than others to me, in my humble opinion. This past weekend our nation celebrated Father's Day and I have to say, it was particularly special to me.  As many of you who are regular readers of this blog know, this space is reserved for both the reflection of the importance and impact our life experiences teaches us, as well as highlights the moments, personal moments, of why Oral History Preservation matters.

And so, for this Father's Day, my weekend began with a return visit to Henrico Doctor's Hospital where I sat at the beside of my own father. The last time I was sitting in that same seat was just in the month of April when my dad had his, I believe 6th heart attack.  The poignant thing about the timing of this recent episode was that the following morning I was scheduled to fly out to California to have my own father's day time with my daughter and namesake. The very idea that I would be sitting alone with him, in a hospital room, reflecting on his life, and my own seemed wrong somehow.

While taking my mind off of my own "stuff", I was reminded once again of how precious life is. I thought of my many friends who have lost their fathers within the past year.  I was reminded of my grandfather who is no longer here and recalling the few precious memories I was able to retain when he was.  I realized that I have been sitting in this same hospital 3 times in the past 4 years and each time there was no guarantee he would walk out of there on his own, if at all.

As my father and I spoke to each other about what we would do once he was released, I thought introspectively to myself about just what would I do when I arrive in California to begin spending time with Little Ryan? What can I do to ensure that her earliest memories will be lastin,g ones she will be proud to share as she grows up and perhaps will one day recount at my bedside?

Moments like the ones I have shared recently with my father have been powerful reminders of the importance of making the most of each moment, even the moments we take for granted. I am looking forward to going fishing this weekend with my dad. I made it a point to tell him that I will need him to teach me everything he knows about that canoe and which bait to use and how to work the motor. I will need to pass on those memories and recreate that experience with my daughter, so I can share with her what my father taught me so that she can then share her experience with her own children one day.

Yesterday I looked at my daughter, age 4, and asked her, "Do you know why I get to celebrate Father's Day?", and her answer was, "Because of me."  She was never more insightful and spot on than that. Because of her presence in my life, I too can share in the awesome experience of being a dad; loving, teaching, caring, sharing, supporting and being ever mindful that life is fragile and fleeting, and why every second is not to be wasted but treasured.

Virgil Johannes and his first born, Ryan Heathcock

Unaware

OUAT Blog for June 6

Two months ago I started work on the video documentation of the Oral Histories for The Friends of Rankin Chapel (The Friends), a service group in support of the Andrew Rankin Chapel located on the campus of Howard University.  Last week I had the pleasure of working with this amazing group of professional men and women who were as dynamic as they were, collectively, extraordinary.

The one thing about history, particularly the history of others, is hearing how their life experiences shaped them.  When I first meet members of The Friends I was inclined to make initial assumptions about each one based on what they are wearing, how they spoke and particularly what their titles were.  I have to say that I have had the pleasure of working with a very large number of Ph.D.'s and , I have to say, you can't help but feel smarter while doing so.

And so when the recording begins, the story unfolds and then my world becomes a great deal more enriched. Last week, while recording I learned so much more about my alma mater that I was practically embarrassed to call myself an Alumni. I even met a young man, Mr. Glen Vinson, Jr., who was a fellow member of the football team, a team that I captained during my time, who is currently a member of The Friends and was a Chapel Assistant when he was a student in the late 1990's.

But perhaps the greatest impact occurred late on the first day of filming. Looking back I have to say that we were on a blistering pace of recording, a total of 10 interviews in one day. At the end of the day I had the pleasure of recording the Oral History of Dr. Donna Grant-Mills, Chair for the Department of Dental Hygiene at the Howard University School of Dentistry. When the day was done Dr. Mills came up to me and personally thanked me for the work I (we) had accomplished and expressed sincere gratitude for how the entire process unfolded.

Looking back, at that moment it became clear to me that even though I stood on the outside looking in, I was also simultaneously becoming a part of that history. Her words of thanks and appreciation allowed me to understand that no matter what a persons title or the maker of their suit, together we share in the history making process as soon as the recording begins.

As I reflect on Dr. Mills I am also reminded of Rev. Fay Akers, the current Reverend of Rankin Chapel as well as Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress of Alfred Street Baptist Church, both leaders of congregations and dynamic individuals who have a heart for service. Standing back, I can almost see just how fortunate I am to be able to share in their stories, and so many others. And yet, in the moment, I am totally unaware of the impact I may be having on their lives, in comparison to the impact I know that they were having on mine.

Each of us has an "impact factor" that I am sure we are not aware of. As I continue my work and my sharing of these experiences, I am hopeful that you, those reading this blog, will be mindful of the part you play in sharing, shaping and preserving our collective history for the generations to come, fully aware.

Dr. Donna Grant-Mills with Dean Emeritus Sanders

Where Motivation Begins

This past week has taught me a great deal about the importance of clear and thoughtful communication as I continue to focus my energies on the success of my business, Once Upon A Time (OUAT).  Thankfully, I had a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining focus on the success of OUAT from a practical point of view and from a personal point of view.

My consultant, 2nd Chance Consulting, whom I highly recommend, reminded me in the most direct and professional way that in order for OUAT to reach it's potential, the details pertaining to deadlines and thoughtful communication are essential.  Being respectful to the time given by others who are  investing into the success of OUAT is what will be the difference between true and lasting achievement or ultimate failure.  Honoring those who are not just clients, but well wishers, sideline supports and those who simple want to see you succeed, are all a part of what makes getting up and going for it a motivation in and of itself.

Excellence is a goal that is attained through hard work, dedication and perseverance. As a former athlete, I know all too well how much sacrafice it takes to become a success on the field of play. As an honors student in college, I understand the value in long hours of study in order to achieve academic excellence as well.  So, in the game, that is my life, I play to win, and by win I mean to achieve through hard work, perseverance and dedication to excellence, for myself, for my clients and ultimately for my daughter who will one day ask me, "Daddy, what do you do and why?".

Here's to another week of dedicated excellence for myself, to my clients and for the continued success of my dream that is OUAT.

The "C" Word Conversation

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