My Tattoo

This is an enlargement of the tattoo on my right interior forearm. I'm not a tattoo girl, and neither are my daughters, but the loss of Joey changed all of that. It seemed to be another imperative and we have no regrets.

The symbolism isn't complicated: my son flew away to heaven... and my heart with him. I love that I can cross this arm with the tattoo over my heart.

I love you, Joey, and I miss you every moment.

Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death...
Song of Solomon 8:6

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,"

Joe's Tattoo for Joey

Joey was a talented musician and music was his true love. He played guitar with passion, but he also loved the versatility of his little Hawaiian ukulele. He and his dad loved to make music together and spent hours playing whenever Joey was home. Joe wanted to memorialize Joey with a ukulele on his right leg. The two birds holding the banner represent Joe and I.

Joey wrote a number of original songs and covered a number of Strokes songs using his ukulele. You can click on the link to find some of his uke music on his MySpace page.

Joseph 1979-2008

We love you beautiful son and miss you with every single breath.

Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death...Song of Solomon 8:6