SideBar: Tom's New Tat

Tom had what I called an early '90's "Guns 'N Roses" tattoo (wouldn't you agree?) on his chest since his "band days" -- I was never a fan (as those of you who've spent any time with me probably know). In the past year, he started seriously talking about covering it up and finally decided on a design. He went to a well-known tattoo artist named Dicky at Tattoos By Lou who drew Tom's vision.

An enthusiast of Asian art/culture, Tom chose a longevity turtle as the primary focal point which symbolizes strength, endurance, and wisdom -- the turtle also represents "family" in Polynesian cultures. Two other key elements also were incorporated -- The lotus represents the struggle of life since the lotus begins in muck underwater and drifts to the surface to blossom into a beautiful flower; Tom's lotus also is a tribute to our daughter, Tayler. The lotus is often seen with a dragonfly which symbolizes free spirit, enlightment, and light itself -- the dragonfly perched on Tom's shoulder is a tribute to Lucas which means "bringer of light" -- as he's done to all our lives. Here are the before, during, and after shots. The green moss on the turtle was used to cover up his old tattoo. Don't let Tom's smile fool you, it took nearly six hours during two sessions and lots of blood to produce the finished piece. If you look closely you can see Tom is still swollen and bruised. Whatya think?