Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

Image Property of Jeremy Hess Photography 2024.

My great grandpa Elmer was born in a sod house in Flagler, Colorado. After a difficult delivery, the doctor declared Elmer stillborn. He set the baby aside and worked to save the ailing mother. While tending to the her, Elmer’s father, my great-great grandfather looked down and saw his infant son fighting for breath. He alerted the doctor, who then saved this baby’s life. Elmer Albert Krause had arrived. One hundred years later, this story still moves my great grandpa to tears; the thought that He almost didn’t live to see his life unfold.

son – brother – husband – father – grandfather – great grandfather – my great grandpa

Whenever I visit my family in Nebraska I look forward to the moment when I get to hug my great grandfather. Each time I see him reminds me of the last; He pulls me in with a tight squeeze and tears in his eyes, his frail arms hold me. I know this moment; His hearing aids start squealing as he leans in close and whispers in my ear, “You know, you’re my very first great granddaughter”. The tears flow. He speaks it like it’s the first time he’s ever told me that. With confidence, and the most gentle love, he speaks over me the identity I’ve been given; Who I am and where I’ve come from.

In June he celebrates his one hundredth birthday.

————

As we continue to grow as creatives, our desire is to honor the stories passed down through generations. The Storyteller’s Collection is an expression of our belief that there is value in where we’ve come from and who we are.

Story told by Amber Martin