Over Thanksgiving Break, the Tyro Times’ staff took part in the Great Thanksgiving Listen, a nationwide project encouraging people to capture and preserve family stories. We interviewed family members to uncover meaningful stories from their lives. We’ve selected some of the best clips, paired with photos, to share. These stories offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences that shape our Cardinal community.

Struggles while raising kids

This is a recording of my interview with my mom Crystal Escoto. This is about if she was able to raise my siblings and I differently would she. I did this to get somewhat of an insight of the things that I didn’t see when I was growing up. “Yes, I would.” ~ Nathan Davidson

My strong father

I decided to interview my father Antowine Hockley in his room, around noon. I chose my dad because I wanted to kind of know what it was like for him as a teen father and the struggles that he went through. ~ Alexis Thomas-Hockley

A mother’s bond with her children

My mom, Alma Jacques, has always been such an inspiration to me. So, to hear about some of the memories that mean so much to her, it was an amazing experience. My mom is someone who works very hard, alongside my dad, just so they can be able to provide for my siblings and I. I could not be more grateful for the amazing parents that I have and I could not thank them enough for everything that they do for me. ~ Jasmine Jacques

Don’t forget to say, Te quiero 

For my Thanksgiving listen, I interviewed Maria Angel, my mom. There are pictures of me and my mom when we were younger and one in our current state that all resemble our relationship. This interview is a glimpse of how loss and love changed my mom for the better. “Yo sé que me quieren pero nunca me lo dijeron,” said Maria Angel. ~ Angie Angel

Special interview with a special person

In this interview, I did my mom and asked her some questions. I Interviewed her at home when she was not busy. I enjoyed talking to my mom and asking her questions and some question that she answered I didn’t know myself and I got to know about it. ~ Paola Rubio

Moms story: childhood memories, life lessons, and everything in between

For this project, I interviewed a very special person in my life, my mom Roxana Garcia. I interviewed my mom about her childhood, growing up with her siblings, and her experiences as a teen mom raising me. I sat down with my mom for a conversation on Monday 12/2/24. The conversation with my mom was in the comfort of my own bedroom. I interviewed my mom to gain a deeper understanding of her life experiences and to learn about her past. ~ Alexis Suarez

Raising a child in a different country

The person I interviewed is someone important in my life and someone I look up to even today for his hardwork and attitude during hard times. The person I’m referring to is my father. He tried his best to raise us even though we couldn’t see him often because my mom didn’t have her green card. He was trying his best to get her to America. He inspires me everyday to try hard on something even when it feels impossible and I’m thankful for the opportunities he’s given me by letting us move in with him. ~ Juan Constantino

Lessons from the heart

My auntie, Starr Easley Hooks was raised in a nurturing environment filled with outdoor play and family traditions like fishing with her grandfather. Starr initially dreamed of becoming a nurse, however, her priorities shifted when she became a mother at 32, embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood. Her biggest inspiration, she says, is her mother. Reflecting on the current generation, she shared: “Kids today lack the discipline and structure we had growing up.” She believes in the importance of staying true to oneself and cherishing wisdom from older generations. ~Aaliyah Land

My sister’s guiding hands

My sister is very honest, caring, protective, mature and lots more. She’s honestly like my second mother because when I was younger my parents couldn’t always be there. So my older sister, Desire, would take me and my siblings and take care of us and teach us new things. I’m doing this interview with her because my sister means a lot to me and I want share her story. I’m very proud of how my sister was managing school work and handling me and my sibling. I just knew it was a handle. But at the end of the day my sister enjoys being here for us because we’re all such funny kids and have created so many memories with my sister over all these years. A quote my sister said that stood out to me was “To be patience, nice and soft parenting in the future so they can grow up nice.” ~Desiray Rodriguez

It’s the little things

My dad is a very hardworking man who has hobbies such as going to the gym and making things that involve cutting wood. He randomly makes things like fences, shelves, and he gets crafty by making chairs too. He enjoys the smell of the wood being cut and it is something he has always done. He is able to fix almost anything; his knowledge in knowing how to do things is endless. “Me gusta cortar madera, y el olor de madera cuando lo estoy cortando me gusta, me agrada, me relaja.” ~Amy Cruz

These heartfelt stories remind us of the importance of preserving memories and connecting with loved ones. Through our participation in the Great Thanksgiving Listen, we have captured moments that celebrate the richness of family and community. What stories from your own loved ones could you preserve and share for future generations?