Ron and I sat on the sofa and talked, warm fingers of sun oozing through the curtains. I turned to face him. I like eye contact, especially with my son. Were those navy blue robot feet stepping out just below the hem of his shirt sleeve?
I worked to keep my voice calm; lowered it two notches. "Son, is that a tatoo?"
He lifted his sleeve to unveil the splendid artwork. There stood a smiling robot sporting a necktie, a pen peeking over the top of his shirt pocket. One of Ron's happiest creations, drawn several years earlier when he was a carefree high school student.
"When did you get this done?"
I sighed. "I hate to even ask you how much it cost."
"A hundred dollars."
I felt my heart flatten. "Oh, son. I just hope it doesn't ruin your chances of finding a good job."
 |
| Ron (left) with his co-workers |
I had to agree, even though I hated the idea of marking up his lovely skin with a needle and ink. This was my baby boy. Well, he had been twenty-some years before.
Come back Friday to find out about his other tattoo and what it taught me...
What is your opinion of tattoos?
Oh, Jeanette. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to relate to those who are upset by tattoos or think they're horrible (including my husband).
While I would never get a tattoo, I think they can have their own kind of beauty and special meaning. They don't bother me at all. It sounds like your son thought a lot about this and how it might affect you, because he sure sounded prepared. :-) If I were you, I wouldn't worry about it one little bit. It's just skin, remember.
Basically a soul suit. :-)
Well I have two tattoos and my husband has three. I love them and have had them for over 13yrs. One is a blue butterfly with my husbands name on it. The other one is artwork I designed, two butterflies with my children's names and birth dates on them.
ReplyDeletePeople who get upset by them have issues greater than my tattoos :)
I love that he's an animator.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a strong opinion on this one.
I haven't gotten one but that's b/c I change my mind so often I'd probably want it off after a few weeks.
~ Wendy
I felt the same way that you did when I saw my daughter's tatoo. She didn't ask my opinion before getting it. Obviously she knew how I felt. Well, her hustand has one, too, so they are a pair. I still don't like them, but that doesn't change much.
ReplyDeleteI think they are almost too common now and not special. A guy I was dating had multiple tattoos and when I asked him why, he said "he was decorating his temple." :O)
ReplyDeleteI think they're beautiful! Maybe I could do with a small one someday, didn't really give it a serious thought but I do have some ideas ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm one who avoids pain at all cost, so no tattoos for me, but I must say I have found some quite tasteful to look at. Hugs to you, Jeanette. Being a parent is never easy.
ReplyDeleteGulp, I can't be much help here. My son was a Marine-'nuff said. :)
ReplyDeleteRecently I met a man with multiple tatoos, each he explained was a moment of time in his life. And I thought of my photography and writing, capturing a moment of time. I guess each of us has our own way of creative expression, trying to make sense of the way our world works.
ReplyDeletePersonally I am not a fan of tatoos on myself 'cause I wonder what they will look like when my skin naturally changes as I age!
Wow! Hard swallow. That would be a tough one for this very-conservatively-raised Mama to accept. I do like his artwork, though. He's very gifted, Jeanette.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rhonda, he is gifted. As for tattoos, they aren't my cup of tea. :)
ReplyDeleteNot my cup of tea, either. I had a similar experience "discovering" our daughter's tattoo. My bigger problem with it was that we were still supporting her in college & she was spending this kind of $$ "frivolously and furtively" (in my opinion).
ReplyDeleteI DID refuse to let it affect our relationship, however.
Definitely not my thing. The whole tattoo fad has exploded, but unlike the hula hoop, it's a permanent change to the appearance.
ReplyDelete