Elephants

The story of my tattoo... well it started when I was 18, in my graduating year of high school, when I got sick. I got so sick that my doctor had me hospitalized. It was about 3 months living in the hospital until the doctors were able to figure out what was wrong. At that point I was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder that is a form of cancer.

So when I should have been a normal teenage girl thinking of what dress to wear to graduation, what parties am I am going to go to, and who I should bring as a date to my graduation, I was thinking whether or not I was going to live. I was put on Chemo shots (that I still take to this day and will be for the rest of my life), I was put on so many different medications to help deal with my disorder.

My life shattered the day I found out I had cancer. I fell into a deep depression and had to be medicated for it. I even sought out treatment through a counselor. I had to change my diet to compensate the new medications. Eating was a huge issue even now it is still an issue, from foods not tasting the way I remembered them, or tasting like metal, to me eating something and not being able to keep it down. My life changed forever.

My family had and has been a huge help to me since I got diagnosed. They are always checking in to see how my day is, to seeing if i need anything, and even taking me to my treatments in and out of town. They have always been there and will be there for me.

So why elephants you ask? Well elephants never leave one elephant behind. They have this bond that I admire. Elephants are know for their strength and being the most graceful animals. They are also known for their wisdom and I have learnt a lot from getting sick and learn new things everyday. Elephants are known for their loyalty which my family has shown so much. Having an elephant on your side is a sign of good luck.

I got my tattoo when I was 25 and it is an elephant family that represents my family of 5, my parents and my two older brothers and me.

This is my story of my first tattoo I ever got. The first moment I saw it on my skin i starting crying. Yes, they were happy tears. I was so overwhelmed by what the artist was able to accomplish and made my tattoo dreams come to life. Now wherever I am, or where I go, I always have my family with me.