A tattoo..the impact.

"I honestly don't think I could love this anymore." I said to Kass the other day as we were both sitting on the couch, watching TV.

I never thought having a tattoo on my foot would mean so much to me. Actually, I never thought a tattoo could mean so much, period.

I've always loved the way they look on people, and almost every time I try to analyze them. I put together a story for their tattoo. Why do they have it? What is special to them? What's the background?

I've always wanted one.

The problem was, I had to have a story. I had to have one that would mean so much to me I would never, ever regret it.

And, that's exactly what I got. A story. A meaning. A tribute. It's a story with an end that pulls at my heart strings every. single. day.

This little guy on my foot tells the story so well.

I see it each and every day and I am reminded (not that I need the reminder) of something so special to me, that I'm not even able to find the words for.

I believe that's the definition of "tattoo".

Our first tattoo!

When Grandma was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, Alexis, Kassi, and I considered getting a tattoo, in her honor.

I was too scared to mention this idea to Grandma because well, she probably would have talked us out of it. I know that I for sure would not have done it if she didn't want me to.

Therefore, we waited...and thought about what we'd get.

Alexis wanted a butterfly. Grandma loved butterflies.
Kassi wanted Tinkerbell. She was Grandma's favorite.
I had a hard time thinking of something original, but finally decided I wanted a needle and thread. Sewing was a very large part of Grandma's life. Each member of our (large) family has a special blanket (or 2 or 3), made by Grandma. When we were younger, she would sew us a pair of pajamas for Christmas, and she'd make a matching set for our dolls. It was so wonderful.

I've always sort of wanted a tattoo, but I wanted to make sure what I got was something that I'd never grow out of, or regret.

A needle and thread was the perfect thing.

It truly means a lot to me.

I'll never grow out of it.

And, every time I look at my foot, I'm reminded of what a special lady my Grandma was.

Kassi and Alexis decided a needle and thread would be a great idea as well, so we all got matching tattoos!

Alexis was the brave one and went on Saturday. Once Kassi and I saw her tattoo (on Sunday), we decided we couldn't wait any longer! We fell in love!

We called AWOL tattoo and found out that Kory would be ready to go as soon as we got there.

10 minutes later we were in the car and on our way.

Holy cow. It was really happening. I was freaking out. Yet, so excited.

Meet Kory. He made the magic (PAIN!!) happen.

Alexis said her tattoo "Hardly" hurt. I have to agree, this part was pretty painless and I was so glad!

And then he started the tattoo and OH. MY. GOD. it was painful!! At one point Kory said "Okay, awesome! We're all done with the black!"

"Oh, nice!! Thank God!"

"Now we just have brown, purple, and gray, and then we're all done!!"

--Not the greatest news in the world, but I stuck with it! (I totally thought I was going to be one of "those" people who leave with a portion of their tattoo finished. I was dreading having a half needle on my foot for the rest of my life!)

So, I crunched my toes, and squinted my eyes...and took deep breaths.

And before I knew it, it was over!! (It only took about 35 minutes!)

Before we got to the shop, I told Kassi that I wanted to go first. I knew if I watched her, I'd chicken out.

Leaving the shop, I confirmed my assumption. Kassi made the tattoo seem as if someone was breaking every individual bone in her foot. She said "Jess, you made it look so easy. I'm positive mine hurts worse than yours!!"

But she pulled through as well, and now we each officially have our very first tattoo!!

We love and miss you Grandma...and hope you like them.

Oh yeah, we looked up the color for Pancreatic Cancer awareness and it's purple. How perfect is that? I love purple!