My Grandpa. My Marine. I won’t leave him behind.

February 5, 2015
Posted in Eau Claire, Wis Photographer
05 Feb 2015
Eau Claire, Wis Photographer 4 Comments
February 5, 2015 Travis Dewitz

Teslyn Sitting on Antique Chair and Vintage American Flag Holding Teddy Bear

Letter to Grandpa in Heaven From Teslyn - Dear Papa Mark in Heaven, I want you to know how much of an inspiring grandpa you were. I really hate brain tumors. My favorite time with you was when we were downstairs in your basement where you kept most of your marine stuff and I picked up a picture and said, “what’s this”, and he said, “that’s a picture of me as a marine” and I said, “what’s a marine”? And you smiled and told me the story. I am so proud that you are my grandpa and I am your grand-daughter. J I love you so much! J I will love you forever! Love, Teslyn

January 12, 2013 is one of those dates that will hold Teslyn Holding Framed Photo of Her Papa Mark with Dogs steadfast in the young tender heart of nine year old Teslyn. There are certain days and reflections in life that define who we are, that allow us to reminisce exact moments; when we close our eyes and remember the smells and sights of everything around us. This was that defining moment for her, a quiet Saturday morning as the phone rang; she looked toward the sky, blew a kiss and sent the angels racing to heaven to look after her “Papa Mark”. Mark was the simplest of men, always adorned in his favorite flannel shirt, whose gentle heart left a legacy of quiet strength and determination of a decorated marine. The proud grandpa; who just eighteen months earlier was diagnosed with an aggressive Astrocytoma brain tumor, fought this battle on his own terms. Even at her innocent age, Teslyn had an implausible bond with her grandpa that crafted the innate depth of her very being. Letters to heaven, stories in her school backpack, and her teddy bear handmade with his irreplaceable flannel are trademark remembrances as she celebrates his unbroken influence on her life. Teslyn’s wish is to make sure her “Papa Mark” isn’t left behind; that his life is ignited through the fire in her soul and her love shows endless boundaries.

Teslyn holds her Grandpas USMC Dog Tags and War Medal

Teslyn Saluting and Holding Teddy Bear Made With Grandpas Shirt

travis dewitz pines portrait suit thumb web Photograph

As an established and versatile photographer, I work in many genres of photography. Environmental Portraiture allows me to connect my genuine curiosity of my subject into a visual timeless story through the creation of their  portrait. Working with the naivety and quiet beauty of people fascinates me as I engage in the essence of who they are and their true sense of identity. I photograph the emotion and personality in their everyday being through deliberate details and natural flair. My yearning is to naturally engage you doing what you love and the essence of who you really are.

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Travis Dewitz

My name is Travis Dewitz and I am from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. My specialty is commercial photography with a love for expressive portraits. My work is Conceptual, Emotive, Editorial, Surreal and Eclectic. I am passionate about fashioning new worlds through photographs as I extend my visions beyond the realm of the camera. I have incredible vision, which you can see in all of my photos.

Comments (4)

  1. Erika Falter Johnson

    This is such a meaningful post for Teslyn. There is something so special about little girls and their grandpas. Thank you.

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