Getting a tattoo was never truly on my ‘to do’ list in life. Yes, I always had ideas of getting one eventually but it was never something that was a top priority of mine. Soon after my father was diagnosed with cancer, I one day came across a biblical quote of Pinterest. The quote stated “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you” –Isaiah 43:2. Instantly, that bible verse began to appear everywhere; painted on walls at his doctors’ offices, decorations found at hospital gift shops, cards, you name it, it was a quote that I wasn’t able to ever get away from. To me, that automatically became a sign. What does this verse really mean? How could I relate to it? In what context is it viewed in the bible? The verse connected with on a personal level that I didn’t expect. It became a verse that I reflected on more times than none and had meaning like no other words I came across before. After much consideration and thought, I knew I wanted this particular verse to be with me forever. This experience and attachment I have with my father is something that will always be a part of who I am. Why not make something permanent out of it? Not too long into the new year, a best friend of mine and I went to a local tattoo parlor and I got the meaningful verse of Isaiah 43:2 tattooed on my left back/rib cage.

Soon after getting my tattoo, I received many mixed responses toward my tattoo. And as I was respectful and fairy responsive to everyone’s words, my take away from getting my tattoo is…

It is my body

Tattoos I find to be a personal preference depending on who you ask. Some are all for having permanent drawings on their bodies while some have zero interest at all. Yes, I am aware that tattoos don’t wash away after sometime and is something that is going to last forever. I am aware of the fact that as I age so does my skin which too results in deformation of my tattoo. But for now, it is something that I have been able to enjoy. Not only did I choose to get it in a place that wouldn’t interfere with my future career but also because it is in a place meant only for certain people to see. The story behind my tattoo is not one that I plan on explaining to everyone I encounter with but more so the ones I am willing to explain it to. The right people will come to know what exactly these permanent 11 words truly mean to me.

Not everybody is going to approve of my tattoo and that is okay!

Not everyone that has come to know that I now have a tattoo are really happy. That is okay! I am okay with the fact that not everyone is going to approve or accept my decision. To the ones that have responded with positive thoughts toward my tattoo, thank you. I greatly appreciate the kinds words toward my action. To the ones who are not the biggest fan of choice, thank you too. Making such an everlasting decision has come to show me that not everything I choose to do in life will be accepted by others. I have learned to be respectful of all comments and concerns made by the ones around me. Life will be filled with many of these types of moments. Why not learn to overcome them sooner than later?

Yes, it did hurt.

Was the pain unbearable? Nope. Did I cry? Nope. Did it feel like sprinkles and rainbows? Far from it. Yes, getting a tattoo is painful. When people ask for me to describe what it felt like, I would best describe it as someone pinching their nails together on the skin of my back and twisting it. At times too, it felt like a deep scratch on a sun burn. But in all honestly, if I can do it, anyone can! I like to believe that my pain tolerance is very mediocre. Some pain I can handle but I also do have a low breaking point. I knew from the beginning that getting a tattoo, especially my first one, on my back/rib cage probably wasn’t the best choice. Being that your rib cage is one of the most sensitive and painful places to get a tattoo, I was beyond nervous! Even my artist questioned the placement knowing it was my first tattoo. But I was not going to allow the pain to change my mind of placement. Just like my artist kept telling me during the tattoo, ‘Pain is temporary’. He was right! Getting my tattoo was hands down the longest and most painful 40 minutes of my life but I could not be happier with my forever art!

The meaning behind it is very personal and is something that will infinitely hold a place in my heart

Personally, what I find to be important with people with tattoos is the meaning in which it stands for. I understand that some people get tattoos just because of design and actual art behind it. That is okay! But for me, I knew I needed great meaning behind mine to get it. I am well aware of the physical changes that are bound to happen with my tattoo. It will not always look the way it does at this very instant. But no matter what, the meaning behind it will be infinite. Every new day for Dad is unknown. I come across days where my dad is home, happy and mildly healthy for his disease. Others, I get a text or a phone call saying he sitting in a hospital bed with tears settling in his eyes due to the extraordinary pain he is undergoing. I believe the day will come where his fight will come to an end. I don’t doubt that for one second! But no matter what, this experience will forever hold a powerful spot within my heart. Isaiah 43:2 not only defines what we all as a family are experiencing now, but it too defines that past and future as well. The journey may be far from being over. But I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yes, tattoo artists are right when they say you will crave more after your first one

In the moment of getting my tattoo, I thought the artist was crazy to think that I would ever want to experience the pain of getting a tattoo ever again. But now being a few months following my first tattoo, I am beginning to feel the urge for number 2! Stay tuned.