If you are like me, the mom or dad of a teenager, it is hard to explain how fast the years go by. Especially, when you still feel young, are an artist, and surround yourself with interesting people.
But, I digress. Friday afternoon was cold and rainy and spring track practice was cancelled. My son Danny and his friend Sara decided to go out that afternoon. I could tell something was up, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. I just smiled, curled up with a good book and let them go.
He was back in a few hours, but pretty quiet. We picked up a pizza and salad as is our custom on Friday night and waited for Dad to come home. Then, he sat on the couch next to me. "Mom, nothing is wrong, but I have to tell you something and it has a good ending. But, first, I'm sorry, I didn't tell you where I was really going." Ah, the kid has a conscience, that's good.
He lifted up his shirt and there was a big surgical bandage.My heart skipped a beat as he peeled the bandage away. A tattoo! He got a tattoo. I really did feel light headed, I'm not sure what I said.
By the time my husband got home and a couple of his friends had stopped by to see it, I was feeling better. He called his dad at work to tell him, to ease the news I guess. Dads are really practical. What did daddy say, Dan? He said he really hoped I liked it, because I'm going to have to live with it for ever.
Later that night when my son had gone out, my husband and I were talking about how it seemed like only yesterday he was toddling across the floor with that smooth soft skin, grinning ear to ear. Oh, he's still grinning about that tattoo, only his idea of small, and ours is not quite the same.
18 comments:
Wow! What does the tattoo look like??
Glad he told you!
So cool! You didn't tell us what it is!! My daughter got a tattoo lots of years ago. It a butterfly in the small of her back. Michael the middle guy...no tattoos....Mr. Preppy. Ah, but then there is Matt,my little tree hugger. Let's see, I believe he has five rings down the side of his leg...one for each member of the family...then a celtic something or other on his upper arm...oh yes, and then there is the newest one which is the phases of the moon that go around the other upper arm.
They are all beautiful and I also hope he really loves them as well.
I have been contemplating for years getting one myself. Just trying to figure out where at the age of 57 I can put it where it won't be sagging too badly in the next few years?
I found out the other day that it's against the law to tattoo someone underage without parental approval.
Be that as it may, my beautiful, creamy-skinned 16 year old granddaughter got a tattoo last year. It's on her shoulder blade, about 6 inches in diameter, and taken from a design she did herself.
It's beautiful, but not my idea of "small" At least it's not the name of last years' boyfriend!
Congrats Danny! I'm a big fan of body art and got my first tattoo at 14. Unlike Danny, I didn't tell until my grandma noticed while helping me adjust my nursing bra after the birth of my first child-many years later!
I too hope it is something he will forever enjoy, I'm pleased with all of mine.
Well, the tattoo seems to be a right of passage. Our son wants one too but fortunately a coach he had told him that he should draw up what he wanted and then look at it for a year and if he still wanted it go for it, so needless to say he has a drawing. Count your blessings that your son felt good enough to tell you.
I want to know what it is too! I've always wanted a tatoo and one of these days I'm going to get one. It's going to be the black star in my company logo.
You should get one of those temporary tatoos and play a prank on him for April Fool's Day.
I love reading all of your comments. He got his initials, lower case outlined in a diagonal pattern from his breast bone down. I think they're big, but he loves them. I'm sure he'll pose for a photo tomorrow.
O my, those years are very close ahead for me...please tell me I will survive?LOL
Good boy for telling you, even if it was right after the fact. My mom found out my that my brother got a tattoo when he was away at school...she opened his credit card bill!! I got my first tattoo at 15 but by the time my parents found out (when I was 21), I had 6!!
Great story Sherry. I can understand your feelings, but it sounds like you have a great relationship with your son.
Ann
As the mother of 2 teenage boys you should be thrilled that he told you. I think that speaks volumes.
My brother got his first as a teenager and had MOM put underneath because he thought that would ease the wrath of our mother.
That was a surprise! I know I have a 12 year old so I'll be in that teenage soon. I'm there at times with my son. So glad to read this I'm learning.
Sherri, I love this story, though it does scare me. I have two boys. I think you handled it very well! In the years to come, you may even forget he has it.
oh boy is right!
He must love and trust you and think you're a pretty damn cool mom to have told you! Sounds like you've got a pretty good relationship with your boy. Can't wait to see the pic's.
I am REALLY happy I grew up when I did- a teen in the late 80's, when crazy hair, clothes, makeup and multiple ear holes was all the rage. I managed to come out pristine skinned. I am certain if I had been a teen when tattoos began to make their stronger mainstream appearance, I would've joined the crowd. I just keep thinking- there is not ONE thing that I was into THEN that I would want to broadcast now. Nothing. But, the younguns need to do what they need to do. Life seems very immediate and the idea of growing old almost an impossibility. Eh. It's really only a tattoo... it's just not for me. (or my sons, so help them!!!) (just kidding boys!)
Oh our daughter begged from the time she turned 15 for a tattoo and we told her she would have to wait until she became an adult. Well the same day as her b'day she went out and got her first tattoo. She had already done her research on where, and who was the safest tattoo artist. She came home with the beginning of wings on her back... Now she also as the atomic symbol and a dragon. She's getting her PhD in Neuroscience... they do grow up too fast.
Noah, who is 16 now and has a job, is using his earnings to fly to Harrisburg this summer to visit his girlfriend. Am I panic stricken??
And my 13 year old son has perfected the art of "Whatever".
sigh
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