the story behind the ink

I’ve wanted a tattoo for years but I never could decide on something that I thought I’d be content with for the rest of my life. I love change and I get bored easily so I always thought I’d get one and then 6 months later, wish I had gotten something else. When Isaac passed away, I knew that the only tattoo I’d be happy with for the rest of my life would be one honoring him. I’ve thought for a while about getting a portrait of him but then a month or so ago, I had another idea; his name in Hebrew. Isaac is a Hebrew name that means “he will laugh”. We loved that meaning and we actually chose his name based more on the meaning that the actual name, though we liked the name as well. Well, I finally bit the bullet this past Thursday and made a visit to Todd Barlow over at Studio Ink. An hour later, I walked out with my first tattoo.

For me, this tattoo is like a permanent ebenezer (which I discuss in this previous post). Every time I see it, I will remember, first and foremost, what a blessing Isaac was to Andrea and I. He was an incredibly strong and beautiful boy and I will never forget all the joy he brought to our lives. I miss him dearly and I can’t wait to see him again. Secondly, it will remind me of how faithful God has been in the midst of such great tragedy. I’ve discussed it in previous posts so I won’t go into great detail but God has walked right by our side throughout this whole season and we are extremely grateful.

I also know that God wants to use our story and anytime you get a tattoo in a foreign language, people will ask what it means. My prayer is that God will use even this to speak and move through the story of our family.

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