Voice Imprints

KL Biggerstaff, Department Secretary for Arts and Sciences at Western Iowa Tech Community College, shares a voicemail from her mom, Debbie Hawk. Debbie is KL's best friend, partner in laughter, and the other half of countless inside jokes like being the "World's Best Ironer." The message is short, but it holds everything—joy, connection, and the comfort of knowing someone loves you so completely.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Angie Sewalson, Development Associate for Empowered Network, shares a voice message from her grandfather, an airplane mechanic, pilot, and one of her closest friends. During his short battle with cancer, they stayed connected through voice messages since he did not like texting. She drove alone to the Black Hills for one final weekend with him, surrounded by memories of summers spent together, races he cheered her through, and rides across the potato fields he loved. In one photo, her stepmom wrote, “Grandpa is sending you a hug.” For Angie, that’s what his voice still is, a steady presence, a reminder of love that endures long after goodbye.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Holly Meis shares a voicemail her son, David, left giving thanks for boxes that were donated by one of his students' parents to his classroom. It’s an ordinary moment that reveals his extraordinary warmth. David loved his students, he loved the theater, and he loved performing. His voice reminds Holly of the joy he carried into every role—on stage, in the classroom, and in life.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Maryam Elgoni shares a recording of her mother, Howayda Farah, reciting the Islamic prayer for travel. Maryam listens to her mother recite the prayer every time she travels. Every word carries protection and love, and each breath is a reminder of the quiet power of a mother’s love.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

For Sarah Deck, the sounds of “Don’t Stop” by the band WookieFoot, played on the bagpipes at Shangri-La Festival, are more than music. It’s laughter drifting across campfires, the hum of voices that feel like home, and the rhythm of friendships that have lasted for years. Each note carries a memory of joy, belonging, and the reminder that some songs never really end.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Amy Hobbs, a photographer and owner of Storefront Studios, shares a voicemail from her gran, Marilyn Calvert, who was a true Southern belle born on a cotton patch in Holly Pond, AL. Amy's voice waivers and carries the weight of grief as she remembers her joyful, opinionated, and wonderfully persnickety gran. For Amy, hearing her gran's voice is a powerful reminder of love wrapped in honesty, humor, and care.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Newly elected Iowa Senator Catelin Drey shares a recording of the bedtime conversation she had with her daughter on the evening after she was sworn into office. We hear the quiet rhythm of goodnights, the lull of a noise machine, and a loving conversation between mother and daughter that reminds us that even in moments of history, love and connection anchor us the most.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Anne Westra, Communications & Public Engagement Specialist for the City of Sioux City, shares a birthday message from her grandmother, Josephine Myers. Though the words are brief, they hold a lifetime of love and wisdom. Josephine was Anne’s model for how to live—with warmth, grace and strength—and Anne strives every day to reflect her grandmother’s example. Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Jennifer McCune, Accounting Specialist Instructor at WITCC, shares a voicemail from her father, Greg Nelson. He was never afraid to make the big asks, to celebrate life’s highlights, and to turn ordinary moments into laughter. For Jennifer, this message is a reminder of love, humor, and presence that can’t be replaced.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Peggy La, owner of Yummi Blox and Hong Kong Supermarket in Sioux City, shares a recording of Hong Cuc Nguyen, a matriarch of the Siouxland Asian community who left behind a legacy of culture, community, and connection.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Chef Michael Gasaway, Program Coordinator of the Culinary program at WITCC, shares a voicemail from his daughter Carli as a five-year-old with something important to tell her dad. In the blink of an eye, those childhood voices give way to an empty nest and three grown daughters. For Chef Gasaway, being a father has been the greatest gift, and a role that continues to shape him in ways he never could have predicted.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Bret Hayworth, Reporter at Siouxland Public Media, shares a voicemail from a lifelong friend who calls to check in, a reminder that sometimes the smallest gestures say the most.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

For Holly DeGrote, Title III Project Manager at WITCC, every birthday came with a gift she could count on: a call from her grandfather. In this episode, Holly shares one of those messages, the kind of simple ritual that becomes priceless once it’s gone.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Ben Knoepfler of Knoepfler Chevrolet shares a voicemail from his father, a quick update on the numbers that was, beneath it all, a father’s way of saying he cared.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Clara MacFarlane Coly, Neighborhood Services Outreach Supervisor for the City of Sioux City, shares a voicemail of her sister and father laughing together, an exchange that echoes with love.Have a message you keep? Email us at [email protected].

Shelby Pierce, owner of Pierce Facilitation, shares a recording of her favorite uncle offering advice during an unexpected travel mishap.

Revathi Vongsiprasom, Dean of Opportunity and Engagement at WITCC, shares a recording of her Paati singing a lullaby passed through generations, a sound that carries love, heritage, and home.

Host Mara Hall shares a message from her mother, who received a birthday gift early but chooses to wait to open it, savoring the anticipation. In that choice, she leaves Mara a lasting memory, wrapped in patience and love.