Tales from the Tattoo Chair

I had an interesting tattooing experience Friday. I guess all my tattooing experiences are interesting, but this one stands out.

A new customer came into the studio to get a tattoo. His first. He picked a small tattoo for his wrist.

During the tattoo, I asked the meaning behind his first tattoo. This is not something I usually ask, but for some reason I felt compelled to. I don't know why. It just happened.

He said he and "his partner" had planned on getting matching tattoos. They had been together six years. But last year his partner was killed in an automobile accident. So the tattoo was intended as a memorial to him.

We had a lengthy, great conversation after that.

I really can't begin imagine how I'd be if something happened to the Husbear. We've talked about it on multiple occasions. We have all the legal paperwork done for different scenarios. But I still can't imagine what life would be like without him.

Until next time...

9 comments

posted 702 days ago at 10:42 pm in Tattooisms

tags: Life As A Tattooist

9 comments on “Tales from the Tattoo Chair”

Dave2 commented on March 9, 2010 at 11:12 pm:

Wow. I couldn't help myself. I'd be compelled to asked everybody the meaning behind their tattoos! I guess I'm nosey that way.

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to Dave2 on March 10, 2010 at 12:15 am:
  
  It's something I'm trying to change about myself. I want to know why I'm permanently inking whatever it is I am inking on this person. I just don't always feel the "oomph" to ask it.
  
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homer commented on March 9, 2010 at 11:32 pm:

This makes me sad to read. I hope he was comforted by the tattoo.

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to homer on March 10, 2010 at 12:16 am:
  
  I think he was. I actually ran into him tonight at his place of business. He seemed happy about it.
  
  [Reply]
Cb commented on March 10, 2010 at 8:08 am:

It's best not to dwell on things one can't control. It only leads to pain and suffering-- so sayeth the Buddha.

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to Cb on March 12, 2010 at 9:46 am:
  
  I think there's a difference between "dwelling on" and "being prepared for". Although I do tend to dwell on things from time to time.
  
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kyle commented on March 10, 2010 at 3:46 pm:

what a beautiful moment.

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Urspo commented on March 10, 2010 at 11:24 pm:

no one can; imagine.
however, it is something nevertheless to prepare for, viz. wills and documents etc. A painful task we must do.

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JonInAtl commented on March 14, 2010 at 10:46 am:

You just never know where and when you get to make a difference in someone's life.
I'm sure that conversation made a world of difference to him

[Reply]