I’m just a regular mom living in suburban Tennessee, juggling three kids and a minivan filled with applesauce pouches. I’m not the kind of person you’d expect to get a tattoo. Yet, after months of contemplation, I decided it was time to make that leap.
During a writer’s conference in Los Angeles, I finally took the plunge. I arrived at the tattoo studio with a clear vision and a picture in hand. Surprisingly, the tattooing session turned into a delightful chat about books. “What are you reading?” I asked the tattoo artist, leading us to bond over the cinematic flaws in Ready Player One and indulge in ’80s movie nostalgia.
Once the ink was done, I eagerly examined my new tattoo in the mirror. “Do you think my son will like it?” I asked the artist. “He’ll love it,” I confidently replied.
My son, Jake, is six years old and has cerebral palsy. He communicates primarily through a speech device and gets around in a wheelchair. When I showed him my tattoo the next day, his face lit up with understanding. The tattoo features a black outline of the typical handicap sign, but with a heart in place of the wheel. It was a perfect representation of him—he touched the heart and then pointed to himself, grinning widely. “How much does Mommy love you?” I asked, and he pointed to my wrist again.
Now, whether I’m picking him up for school or preparing for bedtime, he instinctively reaches for my tattoo, creating a silent connection between us. It’s more than just ink; it’s a powerful symbol for my son who communicates in symbols. I chose not to include his initials or a complex representation of him in his wheelchair. I wanted something instantly recognizable—not just to him, but to anyone who sees it and wants to understand his journey.
This tattoo serves as a vital reminder to me and to the world that a wheelchair is simply a tool for mobility, not a source of pity. People often look away or offer sympathetic smiles when they see a child in a wheelchair. But really, we embrace our wheels; they are part of the journey, and that journey is what matters most.
I’m fascinated by the stories tattoos tell. Each design captures a feeling, a memory, or a philosophy that resonates deeply. For me, this tattoo signifies my pride in Jake’s life and abilities, as well as the joy he brings to those around him just by being himself.
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Summary
This piece narrates the heartfelt story of a mother, Sarah, who gets a meaningful tattoo symbolizing her love for her son Jake, who has cerebral palsy. The tattoo, featuring a heart in place of a wheel, serves as an emblem of their bond and challenges societal perceptions of disability.