Let's Talk Tattoos - My first Link Up!

Welcome to my first link up!!  I've always wanted to do it, but never knew how.  Thanks to the fabulous Melanie for the step-by-step directions on linking up!

So, let's talk tattoos.... Growing up I was the kid who didn't understand why anyone would want to put something on their body that would never go away.  As I got older, I became intrigued by them and began viewing tattoos as what they are - works of art.  Not being artistic at. all. I was very impressed with the tattoo artists and their ability to turn a body into a human canvas. 

I think my first desire to have a tattoo came around the age of 21.  I was not being rebellious, I was just intrigued by it.  I held off on the urge to get inked out of respect for my parents.  I knew their views on it, and also knew their rule that "getting a tattoo was a sign that I was financially independent" and let me tell you - at the ripe age of 21, that was not the case.  So I waited... thankfully!!

Over the next 7 year my tattoo design and location changed.  I knew I was not ready to get a tattoo until I was sure of what it was and where it would be.  Once it's there, it's there forever.  I certainly did not want to be one to regret a tattoo later in life.  

I was not certain about what my tattoo would be and where it would be until May of 2010.  That was the time the military took R away for 18 months.  There was no way I would have gotten through that time without my family and friends (whom to me are family).  My family was my shoulder to cry on in the weeks shortly after R left.  They were there to keep me busy so I wouldn't sit home by myself thinking about R being gone.  They were my rock, and they own my heart.  

That October I had the chance to go visit R in Mississippi.  Before leaving I mentioned to my parents that I would probably have tattoo upon my return.  They weren't thrilled, but appreciated the fact that I respected them enough to tell them first - instead of just showing up with it.  

So down to Mississippi I went and on Sunday, October 24, 2010, I got my first tattoo.  I went to Gulfport, Mississippi to Jack and Diane's and got my only (for now) tattoo.  It's on my left wrist.  It says "family" with a small heart below the 'y' representing my Uncle, whom at the time was the only family member I have that had passed away.  

I do not regret this tattoo at all.  It does not change who I am.  I love my family.  They mean the world to me.  I will proudly wear that love on my wrist for the rest of my life.

Will I get more?  Absolutely!  My next tattoo is going to be on my right food.  It will say, "But by the grace of God, I am what I am."  1 Cor. 15:10   

Why?  Because that's the absolute truth.  I am what I am only because of God's grace.  I will PROUDLY wear that on my body for the rest of my life.

I would love to get this "To infinity and beyond" tattoo with my best mate, but she doesn't have the desire to get a tattoo.  That's okay.  We have our bond that cannot be broken. 

Thanks for reading!  I'm can't wait to read about all of your tattoos!!