I am so thrilled to be able to once again feature my sweet friend Tammie here at Espressos of Faith. Tammie’s life first touched mine when we both resided on the tiny island of Kwajalein in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. During that time, Tammie and her husband Rick experienced unfathomable loss, and ever since, their lives have been on an amazing trajectory to healing, hope, and even joy again! Life will never be the same, and Tammie is extremely honest about their painful journey; she readily admits that some days are extremely difficult. But she has found purpose again, and her heart beats to bring healing to other grieving parents. She wants to share how she and her husband are finding their way again. In the process, Tammie and Rick made a choice to forfeit regular income and steady jobs to travel around the country volunteering, giving back to others in celebration of the life of their son. As passionate as they are about suicide prevention, they are equally driven to love those left behind as they open up their lives to us, sharing their source of love, comfort, hope, and promise.
Without further introduction, here’s Tammie…
————————————-
For those who are asking if that is really my tattoo: Yes, it’s true.
“What are you thinking? You are not the kind of person who would get a tattoo.”
“You have to be kidding! That is not your style.”
“You know what people think about tattoos? You will be judged as soon as they see it.”
“Well, if it will make you happy, then do it—but I would never do it.”
These are some of the responses I received when I shared my desire to get a tattoo as a tribute to my son Joshua. They were all very kind in the way that they said it, and I truly knew that they were trying to comprehend something that was just outside all of our comfort zones.
I had a lot of support as well. While my husband Rick said a tattoo was not for him, he understood and supported my wish to do this. My sister Shana didn’t hesitate to say “ok.” As a nurse, she offered her knowledge and advised me to check out the shop and the person doing it to make sure it was clean and safe. My son Brian and his wife Nicole were super-supportive. They are young and have tattoos themselves. Brian actually already has one that is a tribute to Joshua, so they were able to give me some good counsel.
My son told me: to try to look past the ink and hardware the people would be wearing and really listen to the person.
He told me I would find wonderful people. He was right!
Several of my friends were beyond supportive. They told me how proud of me they were and what a beautiful tribute it would be. Dawna was one of those dear friends whose words echoed in my mind several times during the time between my decision and Joshua’s birthday.
The motivation for me to get a tattoo has to be shared. Just after my beautiful son Joshua died, my older son Brian shared an article with me about the Christian singer Stephen Curtis Chapman. In the article, he shared how he and his entire family got a tattoo together as a tribute to their sweet little girl who had died in a tragic accident. They found some of the last artwork she had done and chose that for their tattoos. I wanted to do it back then more than ever, but fear of the physical pain and also of what people would think stopped me. Since I follow Christ and consider His Holy Word inspired by God, I also wondered:
Was it biblical?
I talked about it over the years, but each time the fear would take hold of me, and I would just let the thought fade away. Then, out of nowhere, I was reading a post from another mom who, like me, would never have thought of getting a tattoo prior to her child passing away. She posted a picture of her tattoo that was a tribute to her child. As soon as I saw it, I almost cried because it was so beautiful! I immediately said a prayer and asked God to let me know if I was right in my decision. I was filled with inspiration right there on the beach! I drew out what I wanted and knew right then that I was going to do it! The fear that always used to creep up on me was not there. I truly did not care what others had to say, as I knew in my heart that this was what was right for me.
And—I knew that as long as it was for the glory of God, it was biblical.
1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV, Apostle Paul speaking
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
and
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV, Apostle Paul speaking
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Joshua’s birthday was a few days away, so I decided that I would celebrate his life and get the tattoo on his birthday at the exact time he was born. Rick and I spent a day checking out places and finally felt really good about a young man named Matt. I made an appointment.
I was so happy and content. I felt such a sense of peace. My tribute would be a tangible reminder that every step I take will bring me closer to the promise from God that I will be reunited with my son in heaven.
I have come so far on this journey through grief. When our son Joshua died by suicide, it was a terrible, horrible shock that a mother truly never quite comprehends or comes to terms with. When he took his life, he took much of mine too. The pain was gut-wrenching and indescribable. For a long time, I truly couldn’t find my way. But God picked me up and carried me until I could stand on my own. Life now is filled with joy and goodness. I choose to celebrate my son’s life and try hard not to focus on the loss and the way in which he died.
My faith in Jesus Christ and the hope contained in the promise of God that we will be reunited in heaven are what I focus on.
So this tattoo is so much more than a few words tattooed on my foot:
It is a symbol of hope and a reminder of God’s amazing promise! Every time I look at it, I am filled with overwhelming joy. It turned out to be the right decision for me.
(Oh, and by the way, yes, it HURT—but nothing like the pain of bringing him into this world or the gut-wrenching pain of losing him.)
My last words on this are these:
Don’t judge people when you see a tattoo. Many of them will have done if for a very special reason.
————————————-
Feel free to leave comments to share, connect with, or encourage Tammie. The message she wants to send is: You are not alone, she understands, and you are deeply loved. Make every moment count. Memories are such a treasure, and making new ones with loved ones still here is a precious gift not to be wasted, even in the midst of deep grief.
A great resource for suicide prevention is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
To find out more about Tammie and Rick, you can read part of their story at Giving-Back-For-Joshua.
Here are a few more places where Tammie shares her heart:
Honoring Josh: A Mother’s Heart in the Aftermath of Suicide
Journey to Joy: How Giving Back Brings Hope and Healing to Hurting Hearts
Would You Do Anything to End the Pain of Grief? Even Give Up Loving Memories?
**This blog is also featured at Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up, Pick Your Pin Tuesday, RaRa Link-Up, Simply Inspired Wednesdays, Christian Mommy Blogger, Saturday Soirée Blog, and Grace & Truth Link-Up.
☕ Espressos of Faith ☕ 
WordwithMindy
March 18, 2015 at 12:02 pm
To Tammie – my dear, dear friend and fellow griever – your words made me cry with joy – joy in that reminder of God’s promise “that every step I take will bring me closer to the promise from God that I will be reunited with my son in heaven.” I can’t wait til that day to see my son again too! And I wish I would have thought to get a tattoo for him – I just might do that now 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing – what wonderful, inspirational words Tammie – I love you ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
tlwommack
March 18, 2015 at 1:33 pm
Mindy thanks so much for the wonderful words. I wasn’t expecting the response I have been receiving. Most are on pages that are only open for others like us that have lost a child. The number of Mom’s that have chosen this form of tribute is amazing to me even now that I have joined them.
Love you so much my dear friend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 18, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Mindy, let us know if you get a tattoo. 🙂 And please feel free to write something up to guest blog at E of F if you feel inspired by anything. We need your wisdom and love here too. 🙂 I hope I get to watch these sweet reunions on the appointed day, but for now…love you both so much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
WordwithMindy
March 18, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Oh thank you Bonnie – and I hope you get to watch them too – if there are tears of joy in Heaven, they will fill an ocean that day! And THANKS for the invite – I’d love to!
LikeLiked by 2 people
abbasshoulders
March 18, 2015 at 12:22 pm
This is SO incredibly powerful. I’m trying to think of how to respond…but I’m just soaking it all in. As a mom of three young boys, you hit so many areas for me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 18, 2015 at 9:36 pm
Thank you, Abba’s Shoulders, for coming by to support Tammie. It means a lot to both of us. She is an amazing inspiration (as are you….I read your bio today).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mary Collins
March 18, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Sorry for your loss. You do what you need to do to remember and honor your son. Don’t be concerned about what others think.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 18, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Thanks, Mary, for encouraging Tammie. I agree….what others think doesn’t matter. Thanks for coming by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
tlwommack
March 19, 2015 at 11:47 am
Mary thanks for the kind words of support. GiGod is so Good ALL the time. ..
LikeLike
TheMomCafe.com
March 18, 2015 at 4:47 pm
Oh my heart. This is just such a powerful testimony to loss, to love, to faith, and especially hope in healing!! I absolutely LOVE the idea of your tattoo, and the meaning it brings to you! I am in tears, weeping for your heartache Tammy. I’m so sorry you have had to suffer through one the great traumas a mother could ever face. Thank you, for sharing your story- your testimony with us today. I am blessed because of that.
One step closer… keep taking those precious faithful steps.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 18, 2015 at 9:39 pm
TheMomCafe, thank you for your soothing, ministering words. I’m so glad Tammie is willing to share and help others too. Thanks for your ongoing support over here at E of F.
LikeLiked by 1 person
tlwommack
March 19, 2015 at 11:49 am
I LOVE your wise information I share it with my daughter in law frequently. Thanks for the wonderful words of support and encouragement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ashley Negard
March 18, 2015 at 9:32 pm
What a neat story to read and be inspired by. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 18, 2015 at 9:41 pm
Oh, Ashley! Thanks for reading this! She truly is an inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
tlwommack
March 20, 2015 at 12:12 am
Ashley thanks for the kind words…..Please continue to find a Blessing here on Esspresso of Faith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maranda
March 18, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I cannot even begin to imagine the road you have traveled, but I admire your willingness to share a part of your life that most people would leave hidden. The Bible says that what Satan meant for harm, God will use for the good. You are being a light in a very dark area for so many people! Be blessed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 21, 2015 at 5:49 pm
This was such beautiful encouragement, Maranda. I know Tammie appreciates everyone’s kindness and response. Thank you so much for stopping by “Espressos of Faith.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
tlwommack
May 14, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Miranda I don’t get a direct link when someone comments so I am so sorry that it has been so long to connect with you. Thanks for the comment and the encouragement.
Tammie
LikeLike
Rebekah
March 21, 2015 at 6:22 pm
For the longest time, I was really stuck on figuring out what tattoo I would *want*, if ever I got a tattoo. The chances of me getting a tattoo are slim to none. However, I pondered for so long because I really wanted to figure out what I would get, if ever I was brave enough. One day I came across Isaiah 49:15-16 – “Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands….” It was at that point that I knew exactly what my tattoo would be, if ever I got it. I would have my kids’ birthdates engraved onto the palm of my left hand. I figured that would be a little less intrusive than my right hand. Also, that’s the hand where my wedding ring is, closer to my heart. Anyway – all of that to say, I can completely understand where you’re coming from. I love the tattoo and think we all have our own personal ways of grieving and remembering. Love the way you’ve chosen! By the way, since figuring out what tattoo I would *want*, I haven’t had a desire to get one since. It was as though I just needed to choose one. Not sure. Anyway, I was glad to finally think of one. 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 23, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Hi, Rebekah! Thank you for sharing your own journey wrestling through which tattoo. I love the Scripture you mentioned! I know this will touch Tammie’s heart! Thank you for coming by “Espressos of Faith” from Grace & Truth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheryl
March 25, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this precious story. My husband talks about getting a tattoo in honour of our daughter but it isn’t for me. I wear a purple cord bracelet around my wrist to remind me of her. I am so thankful for the assurance that all we have to do is wait and we WILL see our kids again. Some days are just harder to wait than others. Be Blessed…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
March 27, 2015 at 4:10 pm
Thank you so much for coming by, Cheryl. I know it means a lot to Tammie! Your purple cord is a great idea! I look forward to reading more of your posts as well! Blessings!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cheryl
March 27, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Her older sister and I actually made more than 100 bracelets. I think it was therapeutic for both of us and it made a nice little gift to give her friends.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Michelle Hill
April 2, 2015 at 11:28 pm
I, too, lost my son to suicide. Marcus was two weeks past his 17th birthday when he left 6/12/14 (still can’t say the d word). I wear a ring with his name engraved on it and I have a necklace with all our names, but I wanted the permancy of a tattoo. I also got it on my foot. It is the word always in a ribbon with 3 hearts. Each heart has a name of one of my kids and Marcus’ heart has Angels wings around it. I am still trying to find my way and this whole article really resonated with me, especially the last sentence “Don’t judge people when you see a tattoo. Many of them will have done it for a very special reason.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
April 4, 2015 at 9:56 pm
Michelle: I apologize to you. Because of Holy Week, it took me longer than usual to get to responding on here, but first of all, I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing your heart with us and telling us about Marcus. I love the tattoo you describe. I appreciate you being so real and open about how hard it is to find your way. I’m so glad you came by Espressos of Faith. Tammie, the guest poster who wrote this article, is not always on here, so I plan to let her know you commented here. She has such a beautiful heart for those who have lost children. I know the holidays can be so hard, so I pray you know peace and comfort this Easter. Thank you for sharing with us. I’m glad you can tell us about Marcus. It’s important you keep sharing his life with others. I feel honored you told us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
tlwommack
April 6, 2015 at 10:34 am
Michelle thanks so very much for sharing your story about Marcus. My heart truly hurts for you. I pray that you will continue to stay strong and positive each day. When you find yourself in the deep anguish of your grief let the tears flow and acknowledge your pain…each time you will find your way back with God pulling you up again. I am so proud of you and your decision. God will use you to lift up others one day and that will help you find your way. Please share anything that you want ANYTIME here in the comments.
Tammie
LikeLike
Rose Gourgues
May 13, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Beautiful! I too have lost a son as a result of his own hands. I will never know if it was intentional or accident. He was 16 years old and his name is Sheldon. This year will be 5 years since he has been with Jesus. Two years after his death I got a tattoo of his art work. Then a year ago I got another one and put Psalm 46:10 with a cross and a small heart (my youngest son drew) on my wrist. I feel close to him with his art work on my shoulder and Gods word on my wrist. God spoke to me the day of the tragedy and told me to be still because he needed to talk to me. I understand why you got the tat – we are the mom and we need that closeness to help us through this journey. God bless you and many hugs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tammie Wommack
May 13, 2015 at 10:29 pm
Rose I am so sorry for the loss of your son….Thanks so much for sharing your story and your son Sheldon with me and other Moms. Ours is a journey that no one can really understand unless they have lost a child. Plese stop by Bonnies Blog often and I think you will find some very uplifiting words…I have sent you a private message that you will find in your OTHER file on FB…it contains my personal email address please feel free to contact me any time….
God Bless You
Tammie
LikeLike
Bonnie Lyn Smith
June 23, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Rose…I’m so sorry. My blogging service didn’t notify me of your comments. I just found them. I really appreciate you sharing your difficult path with us here. Tammie is inspired when other moms say how much the tattoo has helped them. I think there is something to the artwork being a part of us, just as our children are. Thank you for coming by Espressos of Faith. I’m so sorry I’m late on commenting. I really am very glad you stopped by and let us know your own experience. I’m so sorry for what you and Tammie have in common regarding your sons but grateful God brought you together to share the meaning and comfort you feel from your tattoos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tracy Nist
May 13, 2015 at 10:30 pm
I have my son’s portrait tattooed on the side of my leg. My sweet Elijah was 8 when he succumbed to swine flu in 2009. I found a wonderful tattoo artist who specialized in portraits. His beautiful face is forever imprinted on my leg with the words “it is well with my soul” surrounding it. Anyone who knows the background of the hymn will know how much this speaks to me. I always tell people “it is not ok with my heart and my head but it is well with my soul.” I know the hope I have in knowing I will see my sweet boy in Heaven again. I use my Tatoo as my testimony
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
June 23, 2015 at 10:04 pm
Oh, Tracy, I’m so sorry to hear that. I love his name! I love the portrait idea as well as “It is well with my soul.” What a beautiful testimony to so many around you. You never know whom you will touch with your story. Thank you for sharing this with us. I know Tammie really appreciates reading the comments. I want to apologize for my late response. My blogging service did not notify me of comments at the time. I just found what you wrote tonight. Blessings!
LikeLike
Melissa
May 14, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Tammie im so sorry for ur lose, I too lost my son to sucide. On 3-19-15, he was only 18 yrs old.I still feel as tho I may not get over lossing him.He was a very talented drawer, so I thought I would pick my favorite drawing and have it tattooed on me. He was an amazing young man, whom I love to talk about. Alot of people say they get uncomfortable when I talk about him, cause I talk about him like hes still here… To me I can feel him all around me, ill never just forget him. Some tell me the quicker I put him in the back of my mind the better off ill be. He could never be just a thought in the bk of my mind..
LikeLiked by 2 people
tlwommack
May 14, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Melissa
So sorry for the loss of your so….Outs is a pain that is beyond description…I believe that each persons journey through grief is unique. No one can do it for you….whatever helps you move forward is OK. I have said a prayer for you and your family. Please stop by Bonnie s Blog anytime…God Bless.
Tammie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bonnie Lyn Smith
June 23, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Melissa, I’m so sorry I’m so late in replying. My blogging service did not notify me of your comments. I just found them. I’m so glad Tammie responded. I am so grateful you stopped by to tell us about your son. I think it’s really important you connect with others who walk through the same pain you are walking through. I agree with Tammie that grief takes a different shape with different individuals. Praying for you as well. Please come by any time. Tammie writes here fairly often. You may find some hope and healing in her words as she is a few years ahead of you processing her pain. Thank you again for sharing part of your story with us. Every story matters.
LikeLike
Cindi Clark
June 21, 2015 at 5:20 pm
I’ve known Tammie for a long time through the Army family and I can tell you she was an amazing, loving and giving woman before the loss of her son. The fact that she has come through this with love to share with others is no surprise to me. I lost my father 3 years ago to suicide. He was suffering unbelievably with lung and skin cancer. I am still mad at him though. More than that I am mad at his “friends” who didn’t come to his funeral and who still act like our family should be embarrassed by him. He was a great man who gave his whole life to public service, and he is forgotten or just whispered about. He deserves so much more. Thanks Tammie for speaking out loud. Love to and Rick on your brave journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
tlwommack
June 22, 2015 at 12:04 pm
Cindi,
Thanks so much for the kind comments and for sharing the story about your Father. I so understand being Mad at him…just try to remember that he was sick not just physically but mentally. It took me a long time to understand that Joshua could not see past his pain and ending his life truly seemed his only option. As for his friends I understand that too….I really don’t have any words of advice but will tell you that as a child that grew up Catholic and from some of the comments from people I was so worried that he would not go to heaven. The chaplain on Kwajalein (where we were living) gave me so much hope with these words…Our God is a Loving and Forgiving God…Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at tlwommack@gmail.com.
Again I love and appreciate your comments…
Tammie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bonnie Lyn Smith
June 23, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Cindi…thank you for sharing your history of knowing Tammie and also your amazing comment that she “speaks out loud.” That is a GREAT way to put it. I’m so sorry suicide has also touched your life. I am so glad you and Tammie have each other. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gisele Kress
July 1, 2015 at 8:40 am
Hi Tammie. So many pieces of your story resonates with me! I too have a memory tattoo of my son who died nearly 6 years ago. My two younger sons and I went on my sons birthday. They were both still in high school so this was a big decision. My husband did not and still does not desire one. I am not the ‘type’ and my parents were horrified. I often consider getting another! I brings a sense of connection and peace to me…..my sons name is Matt! Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bonnie Lyn Smith
September 15, 2015 at 11:03 am
Gisele: Thank you for sharing your own thought process to getting a tattoo to remember your son. What a beautiful tribute to Matt. The fact you did something a bit outside your comfort zone is part of the healing/comfort, I would hope. I was not good to check comments over the summer but will make sure Tammie sees this. Blessings to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bethany
July 28, 2015 at 1:30 am
I have many tattoos each a story behind that means something very deep its my personal jeronal my body is my tembal so I hang my beloved art on it such as Kimberly Angel rip little girl age 3 Mimi my grandmother my garden on my leg for my papa because he loved to garden my Rose on my neck because its a part of who I am perfectly imperfect on my arms because I’m perfect to me but imperfect to others love on my hand because I love all unity on my other hand because if the world were what it was ment to be it be a better place next will be perfectly incomplete still working on my master piece across my chest because I’ll never Finnish my master piece it will always be in the works and ohona family means noone gets left behind of forgotten asross my shoulders with the hwian flowers running down my spine I’m probably the most inked Christian girl you will know I was raised as a Pentecostal Methodist preacher’s kid and I still receive strife but my mom finally sees its probably the only thing that holds my glue together so to speak I grew up being hated as a child I became dark and repressed Gothic even turned to other things because I was excepted unlike in church I wasn’t the best kid with behavior problems ADHD atusim borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder so I was different never had friends became a drunk and drug addict and cutter . then I found ink helped I just lost a child and I need ink therpy so much it was a 4 legged babies ×2 but none the less its time I’m been bad spot to were I want to do bad things thought about ending my life alot latley my heart is shattered and my world is so lost I support you in every way I think you should do it every year on his birthday and death day a small one somewhere look through his stuff find something he drew or made next have it done or a poam he worte God bless you abundantly my friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
Geneva Campbell
September 15, 2015 at 10:55 am
I got the cross and dove from my sons tie tatooed on my right arm with the dates and his name, It is beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
September 15, 2015 at 11:01 am
Geneva…that sounds so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your own tattoo story. I can see where that would bring comfort and a sense of keeping him close.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pam Reynolds
September 15, 2015 at 5:21 pm
I also got a tattoo on my son’s birthday after he took his own life. It has his initials on it with the word FORWARD to remind me daily that he would want me to continue living my life. It has been a little over three years and I have never had any regrets.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bonnie Lyn Smith
September 20, 2015 at 6:59 pm
Pam, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I really appreciate you telling us about your son and your way of remembering him with a tattoo. I love that you put “Forward” on it. What a great sentiment. Many blessings to you! Thank you for reading Tammie’s post at “Espressos of Faith”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sandy
September 12, 2016 at 8:28 pm
My son Cody had tattoos but the one that mint so much to him was his daughter her name is Madilyn Rose he got a rose and her name above his heart. My son was 23 when he passed away on August 14, 2016. I would love to get one in his memory now not sure what
LikeLike
tlwommack
May 4, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Dear Sandy,
I am so sorry to hear that you lost your precious son. I understand how painful it is. Please know that I said a prayer for you and all your family.
A tattoo was never on my radar but truly has become a source of healing and hope for me. I know that it is not for everyone however many Mom’s do find themselves drawn to this form of expression for many different reasons.
When I decided I wanted a tattoo it took time and prayer before I finally felt ready.
Thanks for your comment I pray that you will find answers through prayer and reflection on what a tattoo means to you on your grief journey.
LikeLike
Brenda Rucker
August 20, 2019 at 3:16 am
I would have never put a tattoo on my foot, not because of the pain that isn’t a proplem but because of being a legal assistant. But I was on disability when my so died so I had them draw the fedora hat with his initials and last name on the hat and his birth year and death year under the hat. It keeps me close to him.
LikeLike
Bonnie Lyn Smith
August 26, 2019 at 10:15 am
Oh, Brenda, that is such a sweet and creative way to keep him close. Thank you for sharing that here. I will make sure Tammie sees the message.
Blessings to you.
LikeLike
tlwommack
August 26, 2019 at 11:06 am
Thanks so much for your comment. Grief is such a personal journey as individual as the children we have lost. A tattoo is not for everyone but I believe whatever it takes to traverse the grief journey do what works for you. I love the fedora idea and am so glad it brings you comfort. I pray God will continue to carry you along you path. God Bless you always.
LikeLike
Suzette Smal
January 30, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Tammie, what a wonderful post! I just want to share this.on EVERY platform possible because I feel that so many people need to read this; especially the people who tend to judge us and the rest of the grieving mothers who are not sure whether they should do it or not.
I had an early miscarriage, and the loss was so painful. I really struggled to deal with it. I also was not a person who was pro tattoos, and I was probably the last person that my family thought would get a tattoo, hence the shock and reactions when they found out about mine. But I also thought about it for a while, and asked God for a sign, and He actually gave me a few, and the moment it was done, I knew I did the right thing.
Thank you for sharing your story.
LikeLike
Bonnie Lyn Smith
May 11, 2020 at 11:41 am
Suzette, I just saw this. I’m so so sorry about your loss. Thank you so much for weighing in. I’ll make sure Tammie sees it. Sorry about the delay….blame it on COVID Isolation. 🙂
LikeLike