[MountainMomma]

I have really wanted to get a memorial tattoo for my Dad and for the babies I lost for a very long time. A few weeks ago I finally went and did it. (I am TERRIFIED of needles, so I've been putting off getting a tattoo for years and years.)

For those that don't know, my Dad was a truck driver for most of his adult life. His CB 'handle' was Papa Smurf. Dad passed away 5 years ago in January. This tattoo seemed absolutely perfect to me (though it is a work in progress, as I will be adding to it. I want to add 8 butterflies (one for each of my miscarriages) and my two kids' birth flowers will be tied in some how. I am also going to eventually add my Dad's name and his date of birth/death too. I haven't decided for sure whether I will add the mushroom house the smurfs lived in or not.

The tattoo is on the outside of my right calf. It will probably eventually take up most of my lower leg.

[LittleMomma09]

I think it looks great! I have 3butterflies on my back of mine, DH, and our daughters birthstone colors. I am wanting to add a smaller butterfly in with ours with a halo above it.

[Mrs_lynn.c]

I think it looks realy good,i want to get one for my dad & mom but my dh doesnt like them.One day i will get one for them and my five angels in heaven.I think its a great way to honor a memory of loved ones who have gotten there wings.

[.:Shortcake:.]

I love it!!! I also love how your tattoo has meaning behind it. I have found that so many people get tattoos just for no reason at all and end up hating them. I have not once heard anyone who got their tattoo for a memorial instead of just for the heck of it complaining about it. My tattoos have so much meaning behind them and are forever with me I can't wait to see you adding the other stuff to it

[pepper73]

I love it!!

[Cait&AngelAbove]

Looks great!!!

[ninja_mommy]

Looks really good, can't wait to see the progress!

[MountainMomma]

Thanks ladies.

Katie, someone asked me "Don't you think when you are in your 80's and the nurses in the nursing home are changing your diapers and referring to you as the Smurf lady, you might regret this?"

I responded with "First, you clearly have not met the women in my family. (There is a long history of the ladies in my family dying at home in their mid to late 90's, and still "fully functional".) Second, this was done for my father. He was Papa Smurf for my entire life. People would call the house and not ask for Steve, but for Papa Smurf. No way will I ever regret this tattoo.

Someone else said I made a spur of the moment decision and would regret it. I spent over 5 years planning this tattoo, debating the perfect placement for it, finding the best possible artist.....(I DROVE AN HOUR AND 15 MINUTES ONE WAY TO GET TO HIM!) Just because she had never heard me discuss it, she thought this was a spur of the moment decision. I have wanted a tattoo for 25+ years! The first time I ever saw a tattoo (on my 'adopted' Dad.... my Dad's best friend who was told he had to be my Dad too) I was six years old. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and I have wanted one ever since. I used to draw on myself with sharpies and pretend it was a tattoo. I knew to wait until I had the PERFECT image though because I didn't want to rush into it. My next one (after this one is completed) I have been working on the design for it since I was 15 years old! 17 years have gone into planning it so far. I don't rush into them, so I have no doubt that I will NEVER regret any tattoo I get.

[ashj_1218]

^^it was well worth the drive. The artist was very talented and did an amazing job with color and line blending. It's a gorgeous tattoo.

I agree, any tattoo done for memorial reasons won't be likely to be regretted. I have a recovery tattoo on my foot and just looking at it makes me smile forget what others say! You know it means a lot to you.

[Grlsshp9]

That's great I got a memorial piece on my back for the loss I experienced in Feb I have angel wings and R.I.P 02~27~12 with a halo above it, I love it.