*It should be noted that if my mom knows I put this out there, she’ll probably kill me. So mom, on the off chance you’re reading my blog today, so sorry–but it had to be done!

My wish for ink started when I was young. From the time I was sixteen I knew I wanted a tattoo, even if I was afraid of how much it could hurt.  However, I always said I would not get one at 18, no matter what. I didn’t want to get a tattoo I might one day regret.

My brother, being older and in the military, beat me to the ink.  He started with a panther (high school mascot) on his shoulder. I’m not sure just how many he has now, but he didn’t stop there.

My mother? HORRIFIED!  How dare he get a tattoo?  How could he do that to himself? OMG, it was awful.

Two and a half years ago, on my 35th birthday, I finally got my ink.

It’s a butterfly, a running theme on my website that I use to represent my kids growing beyond their labels. It’s purple, my favorite color. It has all three of my kids initials. Can you see them?

My only regret with this tattoo is that because of the location, I actually forget I have it sometimes. I love it. I’m so glad I waited until I was 35.

My mother by  now?  Her reactions were not as severe as they were years ago when my brother got his. However, I got the chastising glance and the disappointed shaking of the head. The heavy sigh of “Where did I go wrong?”

Fast forward to two months ago.  My dad brings by their dog so we can dog-sit while they go on a cruise.

In casual conversation the subject of tattoos comes up. I mention that I’m itching for another one and he just throws out the statement:

“Well, your mother has one.”

Said like it was no big deal. I screech to a halt and say, “WHAT?”


“Yeah. She got a flamingo.”

(Side note-my mom has been obsessed w/ flamingos for years).

Of course, I had no choice but to confront her the next time I saw her. She tried to deny it with a shocked “Who told you that?” And then I got “Well, you’ll never see it.”

I just shook my head and I’m still shaking my head.  After all the fuss she threw over my brother and I getting tattoos?

I don’t know how to take it. My friends mom? Sure. She’s getting a full on sleeve, and that’s cool. I mean, I’ve met her mom and this doesn’t shock me.

My Mom?

WHAT?