A matter of expression
Back in college, I got a tattoo. A Hebrew word on my chest, over my heart, that means “the state of being rescued” (aka saved). It doesn’t deserve a lot of credit because the very word “tattoo” is bigger than my little mark that is so small, it just looks like a weird grouping of discolored freckles (that I can cover with my pinky). For me it was a personal expression about who I am (even though most people don’t see it or know about it). Matt (best friend and roommate at the time) got his initials, I guess so he wouldn’t forget them. Good thing his name isn’t Adam Silas Smith.
As my Christmas gift this year, I have been saving up my money to get another tattoo. I have been thinking about getting one on my right inner wrist. Here is a pic of the current frontrunner.
There are multiple layers of meaning in this symbol for me. First, I’m apparently Irish (I have doubts, but my father and grandmother assure me of it). Second the shamrock is a traditional Irish symbol for the Trinity which again harkens back to my faith. In the shamrock leaves are another trinity sign. Third, and perhaps more personal, Janelle and I lost our first baby on St. Patrick’s Day, so in some part it is a quiet tribute to her (Layla Madison). Comments welcome on what you think about tattoo by the way, but you are a heartless jerk if you don’t like it after that explanation.
I can’t quite articulate why I want another tattoo. Life leaves it marks on us in many ways, perhaps tattoos offer a creative way to capsulate those events in a way that we can control.
Then I got to thinking that maybe the most personal expression I can make is my parenting. Afterall, how I raise my kids is directly reflective on what values I think are important, what priorities I (we) choose to uphold, and how I believe other people should be treated. And it is something I do, directly or indirectly, every single day. Parenting is a magnifying glass on my hypocrisy, morals, and integrity. And frankly, it scares me to death.
So what kind of expression are you going to make?
3 comments:
I like the Shamrock. just don't get it on your big toe and then run off to boot camp for the summer....apparently a tattoo can wear off under those intense conditions.....i have a good friend who that happened to although i still don't believe it's the real story :)
sarah
Very deep, my friend. I think I am going to have to start taking my son's temper tantrums more seriously.
John I think your tattoo idea is great. All of the meanings you mentioned are worth memorializing with a tattoo. And I like the wrist spot too. Chad & I are thinking of getting a shell tattoo for our anniversary this year. I am going to get mine of my left wrist area. The shell symbolizes our marriage since we got married in Wilmington, NC and we just love to go to the beach. So, I am all about some wrist tattoos now. Our anniversary is in April, so we'll get ours sometime that month. We'll have to compare when we both have them done.
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