Basic Questions that Started It All

My parents, ~ 2013

I started this company over 10 years ago with a book project on my father. At the time, there was no plan to start a business, just a yearning to know more about a man in my life whose presence I had taken for granted and assumed would always be there. During that first interview, I asked pretty basic questions. I asked about his parents and grandparents--none of whom I had ever met. I asked about his career in A/V equipment sales, and how he got started. I asked about how he met my mother and about his early parenting memories. We eventually caught up to present day, when I asked him to reflect on all those decisions. What did he think about the twists and turns of his life? 

I thought I might learn a thing or two. I thought I might document some of the stories I knew already. What I didn't realize was that I would learn much more than names and dates about his life. I discovered more about his core values and how they evolved over time. I learned about his fears and regrets, and how they impacted his life decisions. I learned about what it takes to nourish a marriage for decades. 

If you had asked me when I started what I wanted to achieve with a project like this, I never would've imagined the insight it brought on his life, and then to mine. If my dad had fears and reservations, then why do I judge myself so harshly when I am faced with the same trepidation?

This work changed my life and continues to challenge my assumptions, humble my opinions, and broaden my perspective on people from all walks of life. As long as I am still able to see, hear, and type, I will forever be listening and documenting stories. I may shift to a different medium (video???), but will keep the focus on creating connections between generations, and knowing our loved ones better.

Thanks for being with me for the ride.