Why we do what we do…
Thursday, June 21st, 2007This evening in a forum that I frequent, a colleague of mine in the northeast wrote a thread about an experience that she is currently going through. It was so touching that I wanted to include it in my blog for you to read. It reminded me why I do this. Of course I do it to make a living, of course I strive to produce the best quality video I can, of course I strive to be creative and perfect my technique… but her thread reminded me of the deeper meaning of why I do what I do, and why most of us do what we do that are in this business… please read:
“You never know who you will impact or when. Let me tell you a true story. Four years ago I sent an unsolicited email to a potential bride. I know I was wrong and I don’t do that sort of thing now – but that was then. The bride calls me to ask me to remove her from my email list – I was super friendly and apologetic – we actually talked for over an hour we clicked so well. I talked her into coming in – she booked us to cover her wedding. At the time I was also toying with photography and she volunteered to be my guniea pig and photograph her wedding as well. She loved all we did for her that day. We grew closer, her and her husband and me and mine became close – dinner, dancing, movies, bowling – friend stuff.
Two years later we asked them to be a part of our bridal party when Rob and I renewed our wedding vows and we had a big ole wedding.
Last year they had their first child a baby girl.
Today I get a call from my friends husband telling me that his wife is dying. She has about a week to ten days he says. They didn’t tell anybody (friends) because she didn’t want her friends to feel sorry for her and to watch her wither away – it all started about 3 months ago. Today I am told she asked for us.
Her husband in tears says “we value your friendship so much. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But it’s what you did for us on our wedding day being our videographers that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Because of you, my daughter will see and know her mother. Because of the video I thought I could not afford, Olivia will hear her mothers voice. Her memories will be forged with your video”.
My God, I lost it. Sometimes we get caught up in the business of being in business. Climbing ladders that don’t matter, or trying to be at the top. Today I realized that what we do with video cannot be be measured with a price tag or a plaque on the wall. It’s value is in the legacy’s we protect everyday – and we don’t even realize it.
My heart is breaking. But I know that what I did four years ago for a woman who didn’t even want me emailing her, is the priceless gift she gave to her child.
If you read this far I thank you. I thank you for being a part of the world of videography. We are the keepers of the past and the protectors of memories. Remember. ”
