Before I Forget...
Stories and conversations with my dad
This site began with a feeling:
Before I forget.
Before the moments slipped away.
Before the sound of my dad’s voice grew faint.
In his final months, I began recording our talks.
Something told me to.
It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
td3toldme.com is a place to hold what he shared—
his voice, his stories, his way of seeing the world.
You’ll find those recordings in In His Own Words.
My dad, Thomas Duane Davis III,
known as TD to many, TDIII to himself,
was thoughtful, creative, quietly powerful.
This site is my way of keeping his presence close,
so he can still be heard, not just remembered.
Thank you for being here.
– Cheryl
In His Own Words
A collection of voice notes captured during my dad's final months
Dad’s Early Years in L.A.
Recorded 2 June 2022
In this clip, my dad shares many stories from living and working in Los Angeles. He talks about celebrity run-ins, shifting workplace dynamics, and what it was like being Black in spaces that weren’t always welcoming. You’ll hear him reflect on moments with folks like Shelley Winters, Vincent Price, Bobby Womack, and Smokey Robinson, plus a few wild tales about loyalty, addiction, and the everyday hustle to stay afloat. It’s honest, layered, and full of heart, just like he was.
Reflections on Politics, Power, and War
Recorded 22 May 2022
In this one, Dad talks about how political parties flipped over the years, and how Black folks went from leaning Republican during the Civil War era to mostly Democratic after the Civil Rights movement. He reflects on the rise of conservatism, Reagan, the Bush years, and shares his take on Desert Storm, Saddam Hussein, and the behind-the-scenes politics we don’t always hear about. Even with the news playing in the background, his voice cuts through with clarity, truth, and that grounded way he had of breaking things down.
The Real L.A.
Recorded 2 June 2022
Dad reflects on moving to L.A. and the quiet but real segregation he found there, from housing covenants to unequal schools. He shares stories about Nat King Cole, Mayor Tom Bradley, and what it meant to navigate those barriers as a Black man in a “liberal” city.
Before Gentle Parenting
Recorded 2 June 2022
In this clip, Dad reflects on his mom. He shares stories about her legendary discipline (that belt stayed ready), how she supported him through a childhood cancer diagnosis, and the everyday ways she kept the family going. From accidental wildfires to starching jeans so stiff they could stand on their own—this one’s full of heart, humor, and deep respect for a woman who did it all.
Thomas Duane Davis III
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