In high school I had an obsession with the infinity symbol, and wanted to get inked with one badly. I wasn't sure where I wanted it, and since I was so young I delayed the idea.
About 4 or 5 years ago at an Odyssey my cousin and I came up with the idea to get the word "nieskonczonosc" tattooed on us. Nieskonczonosc is the closest translation to the word infinity in Polish, more accurately meaning "Never ending". Anyone that has been reading my blog for a while now knows how important my family is to me... so the idea of tattooing a word that represents my never ending love for my culture and family was perfect. My cousin got it tattooed shortly after the idea was conceived down his leg, and I stalled. I wanted to have the perfect design and the perfect placement, so until I knew what that was I wasn't getting it.
Fast forward to May 2007 when my brother passed away. He was killed at the age of 22, 14 short days before his 23rd birthday. I'm not sure how I came up with the idea, but a few days after his death I decided I was going to get the word "Brother" on me. I originally was going to get it on my wrist, but Superman and my Mom persuaded me to get it on my back (which I'm very thankful for today). On my brother's would-be 23rd birthday I got my first tattoo. Having waited years for my original idea, in hindsight this tattoo was a very hasty decision, however I still love it just as much as the day I got it, and will forever have my big brother watching my back.
My next tattoo, which I've mentioned before is the symbol for gratitude. I would like to get it on my ribs to simply remind me everyday to count my blessings and have gratitude for the life I was given. I have decided that I will get this tattoo when I've reached my goal weight to add another layer of depth and meaning to it. I am grateful for my health and my body, and promise myself to always take care of it - especially since we're only given one!
I have other ideas for tattoos, but will wait a lengthy amount of time to get them, since I don't want to end up with sleeves and looking like a really strange old lady.
Do you have any tattoos?
11 comments:
I'm definitely going to be a strange-looking old lady, but I'm okay with that! I have two half sleeves and I really love them, but before I got those I was doing what you're doing now and putting them where I could easily cover them up (back, ribs, thigh).
All of mine have meaning to them, too. I think it's silly when people just pick something out of the book. It's permanent!!
I like your tats, especially the Polish infinity. Very cool!
I like how your tattoos have meaning behind them. I can't tell you how much I loathe meaningless stupid tattoos (i.e. Tweety Bird on your tit or a tramp stamp of dolphins). I think yours are worth it, because it truly does mean something. I bet it is also a reminder to be thankful and to never forget his memory. Otherwise there would be no point for me. I don't have any tattoos and I'm kind of afraid of getting one, but maybe when I'm old and don't give a crap anymore, I'd do something like you did.
This post just felt so personal and touching to read.
I don't have any tattoos (I have lots of freckles instead, haha), but I have always been intrigued and supportive of tattoos with meaning.
I love the big bro watching your back meaning of your first tat and your infinity/Polish tattoo is just all kinds of beautiful.
That symbol for gratitude is so pretty, too.
I like yours. Great meaning for both.
I started out with my first tattoo at 21. It was the Japanese symbol for "courage." I wanted it because I had decided to take a break from college, move to a new state and start over. It seemed fitting. Little did I know they're addictive...
I now have 8. In addition to my courage tattoo, I also have Japanese characters for luck, happiness, faith and trust, an Indian tattoo (my heritage), "Daddy's Girl" on my back (which I now regret) and a Chinese cherry blossom for my daughters. Whew.
WOW! I am sorry about the loss of your brother. I think it is wonderful that you chose to remember him in such a special way. You see that everyday and can remember him. I do not hav any tattoos but I am okay with them. I think they are much better when they have meaning as both of yours do. Your 3rd tat desire is awesome as well. I bet it gives you motivation but also will be great to see when you accomplish your goal!
the infinity symbol one is uber wicked. xx
I like that "brother" is on your back - it seems so fitting.
I got my first tattoo right after I turned 18 (because I could) and I picked a bear claw to symbolize my father (who died when I was 11 and had a bear claw belt buckle).. I think memorial tattoos are so special, I just wish I'd given myself more time to think about it.
I also have a tattoo on my foot and I hear ya.. it hurts like nothing anyone can imagine unless they've done it themselves. OUCH!!! Just thinking about it gives me shivers.
Hi there! Just found your blog through 20SB. I love your tattoos, I definitely want text one day. I have one tattoo on my thigh, but I have my second planned and am saving up with the goal of getting it by Christmas. Am following you now, and look forward to your posts!
http://www.niceties.co.nz
I know about the itch, but because I didn't want to be covered in tats by my 25th birthday, I promised myself I would wait 5 years between tats. It's been 5 years and I know what I want to do, I just don't have the money for it now. Tats aren't something to rush into, in my opinion.
I totally agree you shouldn't rush into them.
Personally for me (and this isn't the case with every girl - I wouldn't judge ever! just suits my body better) I don't want to be covered in tattoos, so I only have SO much space and SO many places I would get ones. That's why I wait and have solid ideas, and then wait for a really long time, and then a little longer!
My Brother tattoo is the only one I rushed, and I feel like it was more of a cosmic experience or something because I just knew that's what I wanted - it clicked.
I've just read your blog so sorry about your brother but I love your tattoo for him its so sweet and special to you.
I've got 'Daddy's little girl' on my foot, at first i knew what I wanted because my dad got ill but didnt know where to get it as soon as he got worse and knew that he didnt have long left it clicked where I wanted it I booked it but he died the day before :/.
I want the word smile on the side of my hand now,cause thats all you can do when things go wrong.
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