They say tattoos are addictive, but I got my first one at 42 and have not been tempted to get another (almost 7 years later if you’re counting). I regret that as a tattoo virgin I did not know to look for a real artist and wound up going to a guy who used stencils. So mine doesn’t look great. And one day I would like to find an artist who can touch it up and make it look a little more inspired.
My Tattoo Story
In spite of the amateur art, I don’t regret getting the tat. I went with a group of moms who all have a child with the same rare genetic disorder as my daughter. I share so many things with these friends that no one else can truly understand. And I will never forget having our purple butterflies (the symbol for Dravet Syndrome) permanently applied to our wrists together.
I have another daughter, though, and didn’t want to honor one on my body and not the other. So I chose a rose (my girl’s middle name and the first flower my husband ever gave me) to symbolize her beautiful fragrance in my life. And then I decided to have a small cross put between the butterfly and rose. My children are so precious to me, but Jesus remains the most important and central person in my life. 
The cross – the symbol of the horrible death my Savior endured to take away the sin separating me and the Lord Most High. It is because of Him that I am forgiven, saved and blessed. It is Jesus I seek to emulate in how I live my life and parent my girls. So His symbol sits between the symbols for my daughters. Because this is how we try to live. Jesus in the middle of it all.
Do you have a tattoo with a cool story? I would LOVE to hear it. Type your story in the comments below or click on the contact link at the top of the page to send me a private email.
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Donna of serenityinsuffering.com wrote beautifully of threshold moments. Not sure what they are? Read here. Thank you, Donna, for linking up with Grace and Truth!
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I think we have 3 in our extended family with tatoos. Those inked images remind them of loved ones who’ve died. Some are tastefully done and others are rather large.
Whatever.
Maybe if I was young again!
It’s so funny the wide range of feelings about tattoos. I really struggle with extremely large ones myself. But to each his own!
One of our boys got a tattoo – his inspiration at the time was for independence. I will admit, I love the beautiful skin I gave my sons and feel sad when they cover it up. However, I do love to hear the inspiration stories about them – so many point to testimonies!
It’s so funny how times have changed. It’s almost more common to find a young person with a tattoo than without!
Thank you Lauren for sharing my post! Thank you for sharing your tattoo story! I think your tattoo is beautiful and so full of meaning. I have wanted to get one for years, but at 64, most people laugh at me. Still, who knows?
You’re never too old to do something you want to do! Remember those news stories of President Bush skydiving in his 80’s and I think even 90’s!
Lauren, I like your tattoo and story! I have one on my ankle – a leopard gecko. Years back I was in a band, “The Ringling Sisters” and we would put on benefits for the Hollywood Orphanage. Different business would don’t gift certificates to be given away. One year we had left over gifts so we divided them up amongst us. I got a $100 tattoo gift. I got it on my ankle and it was so painful that I will never do it again.
I agree it is not a fun process. How fun that you were in a band! That makes you sound so cool. (Which I’m sure you are.)
Lauren, I don’t have any tattoos but I’m not opposed to them, especially, when they are so rich with meaning. I think almost all my children and grandchildren have one or more. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
It is much more common to have one now. Thanks, Donna.
Thank you for sharing your story, Lauren. It’s always interesting to hear the reason behind people getting tattoos.
Thanks, Lisa. At least for me, I had to have a good reason to put something permanently on my body!
Note to Donna. I got mine at 63 🙂 I have preached to my children all their lives that tattoos are so trashy. “Don’t ever get one. Do you ever see bumper stickers on a Bentley?” My 37 year old daughter passed away in July 2021. My two daughters and daughter in law wanted to get tattoos in her honor. I said I would go along and be with them. They had it all planned out for her birthday in March 2022. I saw some wall art of a heart and infinity sign one day scrolling on Facebook and thought that would make a perfect tattoo. I decided to join them and I am so happy that I did. We all got small tattoos with different heart designs incorporated and I am so glad I did!
Sweet Laura, I had no idea you lost your daughter. I am so very sorry. Thank you for sharing your sweet tattoo story. I’m sure Jordan got a kick out of you getting one if she had a window. Sending my love to you and J.Lee and praying for you as you continue to grieve.
Thank you Lauren! I can guarantee Jordan is loving it! She was the only one that had one. We laughed about it all the time. She got a small fish tattoo in college that was crooked! Jennifer’s tattoo says “choose joy”. We have focused on choosing joy in our family. She had sepsis twice the year before and she unexpectedly died in her sleep. We know without a doubt that she is with Jesus and we rejoice in that, and know she is healed!
Come quickly, Lord Jesus, so we can be with you and those we have lost. I love and remember you and J. Lee fondly.
I had never heard of national tattoo stories day and while I don’t have any tattoos I definitely enjoy hearing why people have gotten the ones they have; especially when they have a deep meaning like yours.
Me too, Joanne!