Loves True Potential
- DJ
- Oct 19, 2018
- 3 min read
My story didn’t begin with any big inspiration. My first tattoo was a bit of an impulse decision, and something told me my second one would be too. I would just have to love it and go from there. I would need to see something that would inspire me, knowing I’d be better off not thinking too much about it. It sounds a bit counter intuitive, but I know myself, and if I think too long and hard, it may not happen at all.
In the summer of 2017, my future sister-in-law posted a page of succulent tattoos on Pinterest. It was shortly after she and my sister had announced their engagement, and shortly before that, I had lost my partner to a heart attack. I had no idea that she and my sister were thinking about this as a theme for their wedding. But when I decided on this art work, it felt like an instant connection to them, and one that was deeply significant. I knew immediately where I wanted my piece to go. I tweaked the original tattoo and made some small changes. The artist that did my tattoo was phenomenal. Succulents are her favorite and she put so much thought into creating it in just the right way. The original piece did not include a dragonfly, but I knew my story wouldn’t be complete without one.
When Tom passed away, I had some of his ashes preserved in glass beads. I had some made for important friends, who I thought would want to keep a piece of him. For some of the beads, I chose a dragonfly charm as an accompaniment. As it turns out, dragonflies are quite significant, if you choose to believe in such things. They represent rebirth, change and self-realization. Some people believe it means a time of renewal after a challenging event. I found this necessary at the time and was pleased with my choice of jewelry to go with Tom’s beads.
About a month later, I had a memorial for Tom at Smith Rock. Smith Rock was the reason we’d moved to Bend, and it felt so fitting to leave his ashes there. The woman who led the service is somewhat of a spiritual guru, who Tom and I both knew through the yoga community. When she offered to officiate, I knew there would be no one more fitting for the task. In the end, it was the most powerful ceremony I’d ever witnessed. I knew we’d done Tom’s memory justice. I found out later, that during the ceremony a dragonfly landed on the hat of one of the participants and stayed put for almost the entire time! Among so many other signs, I knew Tom was reaching out with his approval. I also knew at that moment that I needed to start my life again and move on. There was more for me waiting. And, I began feeling like it was really time for my next expression in body art. I still needed to find just the right image.
Fast forward about a month, and this beautiful design crossed my path. I knew the succulents were exactly as I wanted them to be. The original image had some birds that didn’t quite meet what I was looking for. Then I realized I should do away with the birds and include a dragonfly as a reminder that I am always striving to grow and improve, and that I am supported by so many being things, both tangible and intangible.
My tattoo was completed on December 2, 2017. My sister and her partner were married on December 9, 2017 in California. Succulents were a major theme and my sister-in-law even created a cake that looked like a succulent. It was so well done, I didn’t even recognize it as a cake! I don’t think I really realized this was their plan, but because the suggestion came from them, it felt important. It felt like a deep connection. It was warm enough that day to wear a dress that would show off my new art. It was my way of feeling deeply connected to this ceremony. Obviously, it was hard for me to be fully present during the few months of their planning, but this was my nod to their commitment to each other, and how important it was for me, to be there for them in person, even during the most difficult time in my life.
To have this reminder of love’s true potential, as well as a reminder that I am held and supported brings me such strength and joy every day. This has helped me internalize the deep importance body art plays in healing and self-expression.
Jenifer Avery, Oregon, USA
Tattoo Artist Credit
Keisha Ozias - Monolith Tattoo, Bend, Oregon, USA
Keisha Ozias Monolith Tattoo. https://www.keishanicoletattoo.com/tattoo/
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