In the year my closest friend and I hit the big 4-0, we found ourselves in a remote location that required GPS to navigate. However, like many small towns, ours still boasted a bar, a convenience store, and a Chinese restaurant. To commemorate our milestone, we made the half-hour journey to the nearest tattoo studio in Ennis, Ireland, nestled between Feakle and Tulla. At a place whimsically named Clown Town, we opted for nose piercings, a choice that was somewhat dictated by the limited options available. Unfortunately, I managed to infect mine by the time I reached Spain two weeks later, while my friend spent over a year searching for the ideal nose ring to replace the one from Clown Town.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself a proud mother of twins. After what felt like an endless journey through early motherhood, I finally emerged from the demanding cycle of caring for infants. Gone were the days of constantly having a child nursing, clinging to me, or sharing my bed. With more reliable childcare, I began to reclaim my freedom. I experienced the joy of restful sleep again, which felt like a true rebirth.
With my new lease on life, I was eager to refresh my wardrobe and rid myself of my stretchy pants. However, I hadn’t yet shed the weight from my twin pregnancy. In lieu of shopping, I found other ways to celebrate my newfound freedom: I jazzed up 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 swept through my circle of family and friends. The urgent reminders to live life to the fullest resonated deeply with me. While I’ve always aimed to live without regrets, these health challenges made me acutely aware that I shouldn’t postpone my personal aspirations. There is no time like the present for fulfilling dreams.
A long-buried desire from my past surged to the forefront of my mind. A tattoo had always intrigued me, yet I had hesitated due to its permanence. In my twenties, I opted for body piercings instead, convinced they could be easily reversed. Now, I felt compelled to choose a tattoo that truly resonated with me, ensuring I would have no regrets. After browsing countless designs online, one particular image consistently drew me in. It felt right, and I was ready to make it a reality.
Next, I had to decide where to place my tattoo. I wanted it to be visible, as hiding it would defeat its purpose. At the same time, I had to consider how my body might change over time. Eventually, I settled on the perfect spot.
As I prepared myself for the pain, I braced for impact. For 15 minutes, I sat still as the tattoo began to take shape on my skin. While it was uncomfortable, it was far less painful than I had anticipated. More than anything, it was fulfilling to see my imagination come to life in a tangible way. I knew I had made the right choice.
Now, etched on the inside of my left foot is a design featuring a branch and three birds, symbolizing my children. I find myself looking at and touching it frequently. Had I gotten a tattoo in my youth, I likely would have regretted it; I simply hadn’t lived enough to select something so meaningful—nothing could compare to the love I have for my children.
My 4-year-old son quickly noticed my tattoo. Unsure how to explain what it was, I described it as a “boo-boo.” He responded, “Mama, that doesn’t look like a boo-boo. It looks like a tattoo.” After I composed myself from laughing and praised his cleverness, I explained its significance. He innocently pointed out, “Mommy, that isn’t right. You’re missing two birds. You and Daddy.” Once again, I found it hard to argue with the straightforward wisdom of a child. While I had once doubted I would ever get a tattoo, I now look forward to my next one.
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Summary
In this reflective piece, I share my journey of waiting until after motherhood to get my first tattoo, emphasizing the importance of meaningful choices and living life to the fullest. The tattoo symbolizes my children, a decision I feel grateful for, given my growth and experiences as a mother.