Saturday, September 05, 2009

Drew's Tattoo

This is Drew's new bicep tattoo that he designed in honor of Joey. Joey was actually a Joseph, and when he was a little guy his older cousins, Brian and Jeff, christened him "Exploseph". It wasn't because he had a temper, it was actually an empowering nickname, because he was the youngest person in the family. Like all nicknames, it stuck into adulthood, and would show up at family gatherings.

It suits his personality through and through. He was dynamic and high impact. His opinions had influence, his words had motivational power, he was funny and entertaining. His life was full of excitement and imagination. He was the spark in our family and the party never really started till he showed up. Even though he was the baby of the family, somehow we all looked up to him.

So now, some form of his name is inscribed on every one of us. It keeps him near.

Philippians 1:3
"I thank my God upon every
remembrance of you,"

4 comments:

Gannet Girl said...

I never much cared for tatoos. (I don't seem to know how to spell the plural.) In fact, not at all.

And now my daughter and I are planning to get them, symbolic of Josh. Suddenly I find I completely understand the desire to etch something permanently onto our bodies.

How many ways we are changed and our understanding enlarged by the death of a child.

Anonymous said...

I just love it. I understand how one needs to do something. I love mine and the only thing I wish is that I had done one with Angie when she was here. She had a sunflower and a couple others.
Love Sharon

Jeri said...

That's a great tattoo! I love it!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Love & miss you,
Jeri

Gberger said...

Ditto to what GG said: I never cared for tattos, but have wanted one since Katie passed. I don't have one as yet, but I love Drew's, and I am still thinking about one...it's fitting, & seems to match the inside reality to the outside, somehow. XO