About 12 years ago I got my first tattoo and even though I loved it I knew that it would be something I would only do again if was something special. Since my mom passed away I really wanted to do something in her honour but never could decide what I wanted.
A couple of weeks ago I was really interested in getting a tattoo that would honour both my mom and my dad. I’ve been playing with ideas and was almost sure what I wanted. After chatting to the tattoo guy and loving his idea I knew I really wanted this. I liked the idea he had because I knew I wanted something small, simple and personal. It was for me. I got the nod of approval from W and made the appointment. I was super nervous and super excited. I wasn’t too concerned about the pain because I don’t remember the previous one being very painful. In fact it only hurt after driving home and having to use the arm for changing gears (it is on my shoulder blade). I also knew that it would be fairly quick to do.
When he started closest to my hand it stung! The further away he moved from my hand the better it became. Also, the numbers were the worst ( I am assuming because it is the thinnest). By the time he got to filling the spaces it wasn’t even sore anymore. I expected that to be the worst. So either it really wasn’t that sore or I just couldn’t feel anything anymore. All in all though it wasn’t so sore that I wouldn’t do it again.
The rest of the day I felt so elated. Not just that I finally got the tattoo I wanted but mostly because of my parents. I really felt so connected to them. I miss them more than anything and not a day goes by that I don’t feel the pain and sadness. Now when I look at my wrist I smile. I know it doesn’t make sense. I very rarely do anyway. I just feel connected. A validation of sorts.
Unfortunately, not everyone was behind me about this. I was actually so surprised by the amount of flack I got about this. I respect that people have different likes and opinions and I would never tell someone else what they should or shouldn’t like/want/do. It ranged from harsh words to being totally ignored and not acknowledged at all. It hurts, but I accept it. Thank goodness none of YOU were asked or told to do what I did. What I have learnt though is that there doesn’t seem to be something like unconditional love and support from friends and family*. Strings firmly attached. Judge me all you want. I’ve come this far with just my husband always being there for me and we seem just fine.
The meaning: The top symbol means “Father” with his year of birth and year of passing. The bottom symbol means “Mother” with her year of birth and year of passing.
*This is not aimed at one or any specific person but to a group as a whole. If the shoe fits, wear it.
I once had a generalised rant about how twee I thought it was that people need to put so much meaning into choosing their tattoos. But I get it, finally. Something that has altered you so profoundly on the inside should leave a mark externally too. And you should make that mark as beautiful and as meaningful as you want it to be.
No judgement here, Darlin’, I think it’s fab x
Thank you Tammy. That really means so much!!! xxx
love how this turned out!
Thank you so much!!