h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We are having new carpets so stuff has to be moved out of the living room and packed up until the carpet is laid. Our house looks a bit like a charity shop as we have books ornaments tapes and records all over the place. We have hundreds of records and tapes so my job today was to clear out the tapes and records and box them up so we can move the music centre. The records weigh a ton and after shifting a few boxes of them I decided to have a rest and while I was sitting down I looked at some of the tapes. One was inscribed 'Christmas message 1991'. So I put it on and it turned out to be my Mother, who was at that time living in New Zealand. She was 91 years old when she made the tape and she died in 1997. Her voice was as clear and beautiful as I remembered her. It was strange listening to her chattering away and cracking jokes, and if I closed my eyes it was as if she was in the room with me. It dawned on me as I was listening how fortunate we are to have these wonderful modern inventions. We can see our loved ones on video tape, hear them on audio, and we can leave our voices and images behind when we go.
I was moved to take out the video tape of The Son's wedding and watch The Lost Boy laughing and and giggling with his girl friend. I wanted The Boss to see it with me but she can't bear it, however I sat and realised how fortunate we were to have him for as long as we did. I only hope that some of the stuff I have with my words, voice and video will be watched by my grandchildren when I am gone and they will be able to see what fun we had together. Memory does fade and I have no movies of my Mother but I do have her voice and that makes me glad.

What a wonderfull story Kif, I bet you'll never forget that moment.

I know I've been having a moan lately about my computer, but that's what it was all about. Audio and Video tape has a finite life whereas discs (good ones) have an Archive life of about 100yrs.

I was happily burning away when for some reason it all went pear shaped and it's driving me nuts!!!

I would urge you to transfer all that stuff onto CD and DVD disc before it degrades. Then G.G.G Children can see it, same with photo's.

Stay well both of you.

Quack

How utterly charming! Your story has inspired me to video my own parents a bit more. Not just for me but for Eldest and Youngest. I will be seeing them this week with their smart new car. Daddy will be so proud and Mum will be like the that got the cream. The perfect occasion that would probably have gone un-recorded in anyway if it weren't for your story. Admired, yes but recorded, no. Thanks for poking me in the ribs. One day, like you, I'll look back and remember the day with a smile

You're right, Kif, a good experience. I have old V8 tape of my Dad when my children where very young. He is only pottering about in the garden with them, but he is so relaxed and enjoying his grandchildren. He died when he was 58, some 30 years ago now, but it is nice to watch him occasionally.

My Mum is very camera shy and often disappears to do the washing up when the cameras come out at family occasions. However, there is nothing wrong with videoing someone who is washing up, so I will catch her next time we have a family get-together, whether she likes it or not!!

For the rest of it, I will mistral you tomorrow.

Take care, BIG UG