I Know You Don't Like Tattoos...

Dear Mom,

I know you don’t like tattoos, but this tattoo is for you.

Artwork and tattoo by: Chad Smith @ www.americanvengeancetattoo.com

I got this tattoo so that every time I look in the mirror or down at my arm, I will think of you.  Every time I see it, I will be reminded of all the good things about me that I learned from you.

Let me explain…

The horseshoe represents two things.  First, it represents passion.  I have watched you love horses for almost my entire life…  I’ve seen them make you laugh, cry, be more angry then I’ve ever seen, make money, loose money, gain and loose friends and take you places that you may not have been able to go other wise… All the while, you never lost your love for them.  Thank you for teaching me passion.  Second, the horseshoe represents changing luck.  I’ve watched you experience good times and bad, financially, emotionally, with relationships and in almost every other area of your life.  I know a big part of that has to do with luck.  No matter what, you just played the cards you were dealt.  Thank you for teaching me that sometimes you have good luck and sometimes bad.

That brings me to the next part of the tattoo… On the bottom of the horseshoe, you will see the words “Never Give Up” written.  You will notice that the words are backwards.  No, I did not take this photo in a mirror and no my tattoo artist was not drinking.  I had “Never Give Up” tattooed on my arm backwards on purpose so that every time I see it in the mirror, I can read it.  Every time I read it, I can hear you saying “Never Give Up”.  I’ve watched you power thru situations with your head down and teeth clinched that most people wouldn’t have even attempted to complete.  Thank you for encouraging me to never give up on anything.

The star in the middle of the tattoo reminds me of your independence.  You’ve always been one to go your own way and it has encouraged me to do the same.  Marching to the beat of a different drum doesn’t always gain the favor of the masses, but I’m glad I’m different in every single way that I am.  Thank you for teaching me to be my own person.

A big part of who I am has to do with my love for the outdoors.  The mountains in the tattoo reminds me of the freedom you gave me as a little boy to go exploring in the woods, climb high up to the top of those tall Georgia Pines, play outside until after the street lights came on (when all the other kids had to go inside) and taking me on long horseback rides and camping trips in the State Forests on the East Coast.  You will notice that the mountains are steep, but at the top, there is a bright sunrise.  This reminds me again to never give up, because if you just keep going when things get hard, the reward will feel so good that you will forget about the pain that you experienced to get there.  Thank you SO MUCH for teaching me to love the outdoors.

On the left side of the horseshoe, you see a beautiful Texas Bluebonnet.  No matter where we have been in the world, you’ve always kept that Texas twang that until recent years, I had no idea why you were so proud of.  Well, now I’m a grown man and I understand, like you, that I can’t think of another place I’d rather be from.  Thank you for teaching me to be proud of my roots.

On the right side of the horseshoe, you see an oak branch.  Oak is the timeless symbol of strength, and in this tattoo, it represents the strength of our relationship.  We don’t talk to each other or see each other as much as most sons and mothers, but that’s ok.  I know you’re always there and would be by my side in the blink of an eye if I needed you.  You’ve encouraged me to pursue crazy dreams, set lofty goals, fight through failures and celebrate success.  You’ve proven to me time and time again that when no one else is there for me, there you will be, right by my side.  I cannot put into words how confident I am facing the challenges of my life knowing that you are right behind me the whole time.  Thank you for always loving me, standing behind me and ALWAYS being my friend.

By the way... I got this tattoo in two sessions over a three day period (it took my tattoo artist and me about 18 months to think about and design, about 5 hours of tattooing, and, yes, it hurt like *!#%).  On the first day, exactly five minutes before my appointment, I got this unsolicited text message from you.

I LOVE YOU TOO. J

I have a lot to be proud of in my life, but I wanted you to know that the one thing I am MOST proud of is that I am my Mother’s son.  You are, have always been and will always be my hero. 

… And remember… I know you don’t like tattoos, but THIS tattoo is for you.

Happy Mother’s Day, Tootse.  I love you.

-Monkey