Tattoo

I'm very seriously considering getting my first tattoo this year. Normally, I'm hesitant about this sort of thing--something so irreversible. Especially because many of the tattoos I see appear to be meaningless...purely for aesthetic enjoyment. Not my thing. If I choose to go through with it, it's going to be something I firmly believe in, and that will not change later in life.

My first option is to get something in memory of my father. But what? I would have to think long and hard about what exactly would best represent Dad. A work in progress.

Second is a tattoo a friend of the family got a few years back that I think it absolutely beautiful. On her wrist, she has the word "believe" over a gorgeous rose. She got it for my mother (Rose) who is battling breast cancer. Debbie is my mother's best friend, and I know she cares about her as much as I do. The cancer spread to Mom's bones a couple of years ago, and while she holds her head high, I know it's eating away at her. We've had our problems, but she is and always will be my hero. I love her with all my heart.

Third and most likely is my absolute favorite idea. My roommate and I have discussed getting the word "Imagine" together, and I can't think of anything that would better demonstrate my ideals. Observe (John Lennon):

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries,
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will live as one


I can't explain what this song does to me, but I very strongly believe in every word of it. I dream of peace and a world shared among all people without boundries or war. When I meet others like Jen and me I'm reminded that as impossible as it may seem, this life that I imagine might someday be a reality, if we could only come together with love and pure intention. Call me crazy.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.