When my daddy died, I had so many regrets, but the one that nagged at me the most was that we never recorded all the stories and things he told us over and over and over through the years! He told us about his years growing up and how hard things were for him as a child. He told us about his years in service for his country. We were always respectful to him, but we kind of didn’t believe everything he told us. As he got sicker and more and more feeble, I was really upset with myself.

One Christmas or Father’s Day, I purchased him a tape recorder and probably 20 or 30 tapes; and I showed him how to work the recorder! Every time I saw him, I would ask him and beg him to record his memories for me! The thing I realized later was he preferred talking to a live audience! I should have known that, and I wish I had realized it sooner! However, like we often do, I waited too long. When we were going through his personal belongings after he passed, I discovered the recorder and all the tapes. The only tape which had been opened was the one I had used to demonstrate to him how to use the recorder! It made me cry to think how stupid I had been.

My daddy was a true people person! He loved to talk, and he could talk your ears off at any given time! I know sometimes, people would see him coming, and they would probably turn and go the other way because they didn’t have time to listen to him. He could talk for hours about any and every thing! He just loved being with people! He loved everyone; it did not matter how old, how young, your race, your position, your religion, your politics! He treated everyone the same: the bank president or a ditch digger! It didn’t matter. Most of the young people in town called him Uncle Mack or Mr. Peavey, and he loved all of them. If there was a small child near him, he always had a smile and something for them. He loved everybody! He especially loved little babies; and if there was one any where near him, you could be sure he would end up with that baby in his arms with a look of joy on his face!

After my precious daddy died, many people approached my family with stories about how my daddy had helped each of them! If only he could have heard the appreciation and joy in their voices, he would have been amazed! However, the stories are for another time! I promise I will share some of them later.

When I thought about losing an opportunity to record his story, I decided to start blogging so I could record some information for my children and grandchildren. I wanted to leave some memories for them. I want them to know who I am besides being their momma and Mimi. That is my explanation for my reason for writing my blog.

Until next time,

Hester Peavey Guest