A Tattoo to Remember
I heard something really interesting last night at the class I teach called Healing Art for Mourning Parents. The class is all about using different creative methods to help process grief and also to help remember the children lost too soon. We were making collages and one gentleman in the group included an image of a person being tattooed. I asked him about why he chose that image and he said because it was like being scarred with remembrance. I thought that was an interesting response.
Do you have a tattoo to remember your child?
If you are comfortable, please share about your tattoo (or a picture) in the comments.
I have thought about getting a tattoo for many years, but I think my needle phobia would prevent more than a permanent little dot on my skin. People have tried to encourage me that it is not that bad and that I am strong enough to take it… personally, I choose other (less painful) modes of self-expression!
A few weeks one of my closest friends, Candace, booked an appointment and followed through. She’s a brave soul! She got a tattoo on her wrist to remember her daughter, Emree, who passed away at 18 weeks (You can see a picture of Emree on the Celebrating Sweeties Page). Candace graciously shared her pictures with me so I could share them with you. I also asked her a few questions about her experience. Read on for this mini Q&A:
Q&A with Candace:
The drawn outline of the tattoo.
Are those Emree’s actual footprints in the design?
Yes, the footprints are Emree’s actual footprints but they are a bit larger than the actual ones. Her footprints were 2.5 cm and the tattooed ones are 3cm! They were tattooed larger so that the tattoo artist would be able to add the details of the footprint.
Candace in the tattoo chair.
Why the sweet pea flower?
Sweat peas are one of the birth flowers of April, the month Emree was born, and they are also a symbol of departure, good-byes, appreciation and tenderness.
The tattoo is beginning to take shape.
Tattoo paints.
What does it mean to you to have this tattoo?
Emree will always be with me but I feel like she is closer to me with this tattoo. Now I have a visual representation of her with me where ever I go. When I was planning this tattoo, I brought out her footprints and the ink had faded so much I could barely make out the print. I felt like I was losing her all over again. Thankfully, I had taken a picture of them when they were still fresh and now they are on my arm for the rest of my life, I’ll never lose them or her again.
The finished tattoo.
Everyone is different and chooses their own unique ways to remember the child that moved their heart and changed their lives. How do you remember?
If you would like to have your baby remembered on the Celebrating Sweeties page here on Wanted Chosen Planned, please email Alexis Marie at info@alexismariechute.com with your baby’s name, birth/death date(s) and a photo if you have one.
Candace’s tatto is beautiful, i love that it has Emree’s footprints! 👣
My sweet Eleonore was also born and died in april, last year. Shortly after, i got a butterfly tattoo with the letter E, on my left wrist. i made it so soon so she could travel along with me in the family trip that was supposed to be done with her in ny arms. I love that many people see my tattoo and ask me about it so i get the chance to talk about her.
Hi Cota,
Thank you so much for sharing about your precious Eleonore. I am so sorry for your loss. How are you coping seeing as you are approaching the one-year mark?
Your tattoo sounds very special. Thank you for sharing about it here. I do think it would be a lovely invitation to talk about your daughter.
Sending hugs your way,
Alexis Marie
I love your tattoo so much I love that I have a memorial tattoo for my Theodore he will always be with me where ever I go
Hi Toni!
Thank you for commenting! I’ve seen your tattoo and it’s beautiful – and big! For those of us with low pain tolerance, can you share what your experience was like getting it done?
Celebrating your Theodore with you always.
Hugs,
Alexis Marie
I don’t have a tatoo for my Katie, but my delivery was so quick that the doctor didn’t use the same scar to open me up. I have two c-section scars that mean the world to me as I have two children.
Oh my goodness, this is so special! What a beautiful way to remember. And I love how you embrace your scars. This is truly a wonderful visual reminder of your much loved children.
Thank you for commenting Liz! I am sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and love your way.
– Alexis Marie
I have a tattoo for my angels and for Caleb…all in one. Dragonflies are a symbol to me of both my babies and God. I have four grey/black scale dragonflies for the shadows in my heart…my four babies plus a blue and red dragonfly for my living child Caleb. There is also a semicolon with dots that lead through my angels and up to calebs to show that my story wasn’t finished
Thank you for commenting, Kerri. I think your tattoo sounds very beautiful and meaningful. I am sorry for your losses. My heart goes out to you. I am sending a big hug your way.
– Alexis Marie Chute