When I went to my Mom’s last night to pick up my love bug Isaac, my Mom showed me this picture that my Grandma had just given her.

At least 65 years ago my grandparents settled into a booth at the local county fair, up Nort in Minnesota. Not yet married, this was the beginning of their love story. This was the result of my Grandpa doing the chivalrous thing when my Grandma’s date had too much to drink. My Grandpa loves to tell of holding my Grandma’s hand as my Grandma’s date was passed out on the back seat as he gave them both a ride home. Poor sucker had it coming.

This was Elmer and Lorene, before the 5 kids, the homestead, the snowmachines and the love and heartache that they’ve faced in their lifetime together.

This was Elmer and Lorene, just two kids starting out their lives.

And without this photo, it would all just be stories. Wonderful stories, but without these smiles. You can see the pull of my Grandpa’s arm as he’s drawing my Grandma in and that smile of my Grandma’s? Don’t get me started.

This is why I love my craft. While the direct intention is to please the client, I know that I am responsible for a greater story. I don’t want my clients future great grandchildren to know my name, I want them to see the story that would have otherwise remained locked in words.