My fascination with tattoos lasted about an hour after I got mine. I raced over to the sink and tried to wash it off, thinking that the ink couldn’t have settled in yet. As I scrubbed my finger in hopes of washing it off, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. “My mom is going to kill me, she will never talk to me again.” My stomach twisted and turned as I tried to find a solution to my impulsive mistake. Band-Aids to the rescue, I raided my friend’s medicine cabinet. I happily wrapped the bandage around my finger with a sigh of relief. How long can I wear a bandage before my mom or brother asks, “What happened to your finger?” I needed a better cover…a ring…that would do the trick. So, I kindly asked my friend who had a high school ring if I could borrow it, he said, “Yes.” I wore that for a year or so before I had to give it back. I hid my tattoo since the day I got it, behind a bandage, a ring, and regret. So much for being cool and having a tattoo.
I was about 20 years old when I realized hiding it was unnecessary…it was my scar of ADOLESCENCE and I had to accept it. I had investigated getting it removed many times but lacked the finances to do so.
When I started teaching at Crossroads School, I shared with my students a life lesson about making choices and the regret I had about the tattoo. Well, the life lesson came back to me. One of my students remembered the story and took it upon himself to share it with his peers and parents. At the end of the school year, I was given an envelope with money for laser tattoo removal and a kind note. I was blown away by his insight and empathic nature. I was reminded once again, DON’T UNDERESTIMATE A KID! The life lesson was mine.
I remember getting so many dumb tattoos being young and dumb. Both my wrist, hands and ankles were covered with tattoos but as I got older i regretted getting them. I was disqualified for a job through the County due to all my tattoos besides I had 3 children and I thought to myself I really need to get all these tattoos removed so I can be a good example to my kids. Thank God I was able to get all my tattoos laser removed for free through a program Kaiser was having. I learned about this program through a man that Sears sent out to service my washer and dryer. He gave me all the info and told me that I would be on a waiting list for years but eventually it would happen. Long story short I was called within a year and I got all my tattoos removed for free.. My 2 oldest children still got lots of tattoos but at least 1 of my children took my sacrifice into consideration and never got even 1 tattoo.. All the pain I went through to get my tattoos was so worth it..
Tammy, I understand completely. For about one minute if felt like a really good idea, but after it was done, regret set in. Thank God for laser removal, it was so painful, but worth it.
Such a entertaining and amazing post, love reading your blog here. Waiting for more posts here, and keep us update like this.
Thank you Carl, I am working on revamping my website and will be creating new content. Stick around. Angelica