Vox Hunt: Got Ink?

I have a tattoo on my right thigh that reads, "Craziness is Heaven." It's a long story, that I don't remember correctly, that mostly has to do with the fact that I was eighteen when I got it. When I wear shorts, it shows.

When Ian first showed interest in it, he would press it, and run his little finger on it, and ask me what it said. I always told him, "It says, Tia Loves Ian." He would nod, smile, and go about his business. He was secure in his knowledge of my tattoo, and what it meant, and not surprised that I would mark myself so permanently for him.

Stella became interested in it around age two, and I held my breath, wondering when she would ask, and what I would say. I still hadn't decided what to say, the first time she asked. But whe n she pressed it, and ran her finger over it, just as her brother had a million times, and looked up at me with those gorgeous brown eyes, I said what came natural. "It says Tia Loves Stella." She smiled, and instead of nodding, looked to her big brother for confirmation. He nodded solemnly, confirming my answer, and said, "Yep, Sister, that says Tia Loves Stella."

The next time he asked, because they always ask again, I told him the same thing I always had. That Tia Loves Ian. Because she does. And Tia Loves Stella. They've never questioned the fact that I only have one tattoo that says two different things. Maybe because even baby hearts understand complex things about love being simple.  I can't wait for the first time Sid asks what it says.  I'm hoping it will be this summer.

 

My other tattoo was one I also drew myself, because I wanted something no one else had, for decoration purposes.  I like it, but forget that I have it, and if I ever get another one, it will be somewhere that I can see it.

 

It's in the small of my back, and I mostly remember that I have it when I feel my sweet husband's light touch there.  Then, I know why I put it there, because I wanted it to be one of the places he was drawn to.  I especially like it when I feel his kiss there, and that warm exhale of his breath that accompanies that kiss.