Recorded Conversation with Gramps (July 2005)
I always think of Gramps (Don) and the many memories we shared on Father's Day. I know that many of you do too! So, in honor of him on this particular day, I'm sharing audio I recorded in July 2005. At that time, Gramps asked if I could drive him to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Knowing we had nearly 8 hours in the car, I bought an old Sony Microcassette Recorder (picture below) to record sixteen minutes of our conversations.
As you will hear, Gramps shared several stories about his family moving to Chicago, his wedding, and his time in the military. After that trip, I didn't tell anyone else about this tape (except Sammy several years later). I planned to share it with everyone eventually, but I wasn't sure when. Nearly 17 years to the day, I'm not sure why now is better than any other time, but it's been great hearing Gramps' voice again. A release on Father's Day couldn't be a better day.
Notes About the Recording
Nowadays, it's easy to take our technology for granted. We can record audio and video with our phones and preserve endless memories with incredible sound and resolution. In 2005, the handheld recorder was my only portable option. It offered phone-like audio quality, and the original tape was distorted and muffled. I was also holding the device between us while driving, which added to the raw effect.
Nevertheless, I did my best to edit and clean up the sound this week. I believe it still captures Gramps' voice and might remind you of the many phone conversations you've had with him. I highly recommend listening to the audio below using quality speakers or noise-canceling headphones. Much will be lost simply listening from the speaker of the phone (although the speaker of a computer may be fine in a quiet room).
Also, I didn’t record an introduction and closing. As you will hear, the audio begins in the middle of a conversation (for reasons I don’t remember) and ends rather abruptly as we pass a mountain on our road trip.
Parting Thought
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say Gramps is dearly missed. His stories, jokes, kindness, and love live on with his legacy (and with this recording). We have been blessed with incredible parents/grandparents who deserve endless celebrations. Today, we'll celebrate a great Dad and Grandfather once again! Time to put on your headphones and press play below!
One of the many photos of Grandma and Gramps (Photo Credit: David Moody’s Facebook)
This is how cavemen recorded voices before the iPhone. It was invented around the time of fire. In fact, every voice recording on this device also includes the free sound effect of crackling fire automatically overlayed.
