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.