American Faces No. 111: To Bee or not to Bee

Ok that is definitely my most cheesy title.  I am a bit sorry for that ...but I am not above a good “Dad Joke”.  This story is about a man named John W. who raises bees near his townhome in Monticello, MN.  John has a fair amount of silver and an amazing amount of passion when it comes to raising bees.  He knows what the color of honey is all about.  He knows all about the transformations bees make when the hives are filled with the buzzing bodies of these winged marvels and he understands the role of the queen.   

Maybe even more amazing than his wisdom is John’s desire to share the sweet outcome of his diligent care for his bees.  Honey!  Sharing love in a little jar brings great joy to John. He has shared small jars to the far north with the people of Nett Lake Reservation as well as neighbors in North Minneapolis who receive resources at Beacon of Hope where Good in the ‘Hood does a foodshelf and footcare.  John’s heart is a wonderfully giving one.  He uses the honey and the bees to talk about Creation, his Christian walk and journey through life thus far.  John’s life just like most of us has not been a straight linear path.  He has had jobs in various fields, lived in different places and battled cancer.  He remains a man with an engaging smile, calm demeanor (maybe the bees taught him to be calm;-) )  and stories of life that will keep you interested for hours.

I know I have not shared much about the inner workings of the hive, the flight patterns of worker bees or the palatable taste differences of seasonal honey.  There is much to read at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab or Wikipedia.  I know I have missed something that you might want to know to soothe your inner detective.   Needless to say my attention was all over the place as I photographed John and his friendly bees.  I stood in wonder at the bees; they are essential and make our world beautiful by pollinating flowers, trees and crops.  But maybe even more impressive, they are a great example of what working together can do.  They create something that positively impacts the world.

John shared something he heard at a retreat with his daughter years ago: “God’s grace and honey are both gifts from heaven. Can’t be earned, undeserved and free!  And sticky!  And sweet as well, honey”.

So here’s how I am ending this one.  Talk to someone about something that you know nothing about.  I mean really push yourself out of your comfort zone.  You might just meet a “bee guy” and then get to see a bee hive and stand in awe and wonder at our world;  especially tiny, flying ones that provide tasty honey that makes life sweeter.  Don’t forget to share your story with the other person though.  Other people need to hear that.  Humanity needs one another!!!

Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios

Editing by: Cristine Nielsen

Portfolio