In the year that my closest friend and I celebrated our 40th birthdays, we found ourselves residing in a quaint location that could only be pinpointed using GPS. Despite the remoteness, our small town boasted a bar, a convenience store, and a Chinese eatery. To mark this significant milestone, we embarked on a half-hour journey to the nearest tattoo studio in Ennis, Ireland, nestled between Feakle and Tulla. There, at a shop whimsically named Clown Town, we decided to get our noses pierced. The limited choices made selecting the studs a straightforward task. Unfortunately, I ended up with an infection during a trip to Spain two weeks later, while my friend spent over a year searching for the perfect nose ring to replace the one from Clown Town.
Fast forward a few years, and I became a mother of twins. After what felt like an eternity, I finally emerged from the demanding phase of infant care. There were no longer children nursing, clinging to my leg, or sharing my bed around the clock. With regular childcare assistance in place, I began to enjoy outings and rediscovered the joy of sleep, which felt like a renewal of my spirit.
With my newfound freedom, I yearned to revamp my wardrobe and retire my stretchy pants. However, I still hadn’t shed the weight I gained during pregnancy. In lieu of shopping for clothes, I sought other ways to celebrate: I refreshed my hairstyle with vibrant blue and purple extensions, planned a getaway with my best friend, and even added another piercing to my ear.
Then, a wave of illness struck family and friends, underscoring the importance of living life to the fullest. I have always aimed to avoid regrets, but these experiences made me realize that time is not guaranteed for ticking off items on my bucket list. Truly, the present is the only time we can count on.
A long-held desire for a tattoo resurfaced in my mind. Although I had hesitated due to concerns over its permanence, I had previously opted for body piercings instead, as those could be removed. With this in mind, it was crucial that I select a tattoo that resonated deeply, ensuring I wouldn’t regret my choice. After reviewing countless designs online, one particular image captured my heart. I was drawn to it and made my decision. Next came the question of placement; I wanted my tattoo visible, not hidden away. Concealing it would feel counterproductive, and I was mindful of how my body would change over time. Ultimately, I found the perfect location.
As I prepared for the pain, I steeled myself. For 15 minutes, I remained composed as the tattoo slowly took shape on my skin. The discomfort was manageable, far less than I had anticipated. Most importantly, I felt a profound sense of satisfaction witnessing my vision come to life. I knew I had made the right choice.
Now, on the inside of my left foot, there lies a delicate branch with three birds, symbolizing my children. I find myself admiring and touching it frequently. Had I gotten a tattoo in my youth, I likely would have regretted it, as I hadn’t yet experienced enough to choose something so meaningful—certainly nothing as invaluable as my children.
My 4-year-old son quickly noticed the tattoo. Unsure how to describe it, I attempted to explain it as a “boo-boo.” He chuckled and replied, “Mama, that doesn’t look like a boo-boo. It looks like a tattoo.” After regaining my composure and praising his cleverness, I shared its significance. “Mommy, that isn’t right. You are missing two birds. You are missing you and Daddy.” Once again, the innocent insight of a child left me speechless. While I had once doubted I would ever get a tattoo, I now find myself eager for the next one.
In summary, waiting until motherhood to get my first tattoo allowed me to choose a design that truly represents my life and my children. This experience has reinforced my desire to live without regrets and embrace the present moment fully. For those interested in exploring parenthood and home insemination, excellent resources can be found at The Center for Reproductive Health and Make A Mom. This is also a topic covered in one of our other blog posts, which you can find here.