There's A First Time For Everything

I finally did it.
I got myself a/two tattoo(s).
For the past year I've debated getting my first tattoo, knowing that I would face stigma from my family, some of my friends, future employers, and acquaintances. In 2006 I lost a good friend- Ashley Menard- when she was brutally murdered, along with her parents, by her older brother Brandon. It's taken 5 years for Brandon to finally admit that he did indeed murder sweet Ashley and her parents, and it will take even longer for him to receive a sentence and pay for what he did. As my first blog entry recounted, a year ago I lost my friend Zachary because law enforcement officials decided to shoot first and ask questions later. I wanted to get a tattoo that would remind me of the injustices in the world, and that would honor two irreplaceable people. Eventually I hope to make my way into the legal field as a lawyer or a prosecutor. Ashley and Zac have only made this dream more meaningful to me, and I wanted something to remind me to strive for justice so that someone else will not have to face the loss of two friends like I, and many of my high school marching band friends, have.
I initially wanted the word "Justice" written between two angel wings, but was told it was an impossible tattoo for someone with a wrist as small as mine. Alternatives were posed and finally I settled on having two angel wings, one on each wrist, so that when my wrists come together, the picture is complete. I call my right wrist tattoo my "Ashley Wing", and my left my "Zac Wing". Together, they work as a reminder of my commitment to the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

The process itself was fun.
My roommates Kirk and Estevan accompanied me, as did my co-worker/friend Hannah. My tattoo artist Danielle was amazing. She explained the entire process, made sure I was absolutely sure, and waited for my nerves to calm down before inking me. People greatly exaggerate the pain of getting a tattoo: I can liken the pain to that of dragging a safety pin or push pin across your skin (it's less painful than you'd think). My Ashley Wing was done first and stung during the other wrist, so I was able to concentrate on that pain instead of the tattoo. There was little to no bleeding, and after only 30 minutes, I was completely done. Danielle gave me a discount for being "a great first-timer", and she even gave me a lollipop when I was done! They're healing and look clean, and perfect. I love it/them! As permanent as this decision was, I am glad I went through with it.
I know mom will not be happy (she might even categorize her feelings as those of "disappointment"), but this is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life, not her. It is something extremely personal, and something that I needed to do in order to help with my coping/healing and to remind me of the commitment to justice that I am making. Look for my new tattoos the next time you see me! I cannot wait to show them to you!

In conclusion, if you're going to make a decision like this, make sure it has a purpose, even if it's one only you need to understand. So when you make the move to a tattoo, make it a move with a purpose, people.