In November 2007, my oldest son was diagnosed with cancer. Needless to say, when we found out it had gone in to remission, it was cause for celebration. It was an unbelievable feeling, one that I never wanted to end, ever. I decided I wanted to get a small tattoo to remind me daily of his courage, his strength and his determination. To remind me how blessed I am, to remind me never to take life for granted.
Now, I already have 2 tattoos, neither of which my kids were thrilled about. I had gotten the talk after each one, “Do you know they’re permanent? What if you change your mind in a year, or 2 years or 10 years?” (I know!?) So although this sounded like a great idea to me, I just wasn’t sure it was the best idea. I wasn’t in a great big hurry to bring it up, I really hadn’t even figured out what I wanted to get yet.

.

Obviously, great minds think alike! A month or so later, I receive this picture in a text message…from my son.
Obviously, he got the talk, “Do you know it’s permanent? What if you change your mind in a year, or 2 years or 10 years?”

.

I laughed and I cried, I loved it! Truth be told, he could have tattooed BARTHOLOMEW in neon letters across his face and I would love it.
He’s here. He’s healthy. He’s happy.
Again, I am reminded how blessed I am.
Score! This tattoo conversation just got a whole lot easier!

A few days later I talked to him about what I wanted to do, explaining I still had no idea what I wanted to get. He suggested an Orchid. While doing research and trying to make his own decision, he learned that Orchids represent the type of cancer he had. I loved the idea and my decision was made. When I told my mom, she not only thought it was a great idea…she wanted one too! (Huh? But you’re my mom…you can’t get a tattoo….do you know it’s permanent…what if…)

A few days ago we went and got our Orchids, to remind us daily of his courage, his strength and his determination. To remind us how blessed we are, to remind us never to take life for granted.

No worries, I’m totally a pro at this now!

Maybe not so much…

…do you know how tender the top of you foot is?

(F.Y.I.) Pretty darn tender…

…but I’m not complaining, I’m celebrating!

My mom chose to put hers on her ankle. (I better get permission before I post pics. of her funny faces!)