You may have noticed that I have a fancy new photo as the header on this blog. That is a very proud thing for me. I have wanted a fibrofly tattoo for a long time and always had the intention of featuring it on this blog. My first struggle was deciding on body placement for my beautiful butterfly. I knew I wanted it to be fairly visible because I want people to see it and open up a discussion in which I can lay down some fibro knowledge on them. I asked around for ideas for a feminine placement that would be noticeable and someone finally suggested the bicep, as a symbol of strength. Pow! Mind blown. Epic idea.
Design ideas were easier for me. I had a few concepts that needed to be included but, other than that, I left the design up to my awesome tattoo artist, Dave. Now, here is where I have to admit that I really intended for the tattoo to be smaller. As in, about half the size it is. But when Dave put the stencil on it looked really good. And then the ink went on and it was a little bigger than the stencil. I always forget that the finished product ends up bigger than the stencil. So Dave actually did 2 tattoos on me that day--the fibrofly ("a spoon?") and a memorial piece for my mom (a beautiful angel on my shoulder blade). Yes, I went through that pain on top of the pain I have everyday. And it was worth every moment. Sort of--the inner arm hurts really badly, I'm not gonna lie! I am still adjusting to having a tattoo on my arm that I see so often but when I think about its meaning I smile.
Ok, let me break down the meaning of the various aspects of the tattoo for you.
The body is a spoon. Obviously. That is a reference to "The Spoon Theory" and if you haven't read it I have a link to it in my very first blog post. Notice the various shades of purple--some lighter and some darker. That is to represent the various and shifting levels of pain that I experience. The darkest purple is in the smallest quantity and that worst pain level is my rarest. I love that he chose outstretched wings, a butterfly in flight, because I choose to rise above the pain.
I got to share my fibrofly at church on Sunday as a part of my Children's Moment. I was asked to give testimony about overcoming weakness. I asked the pastor if showing my tattoo was alright and I was pleasantly surprised to get the go-ahead. I was honored to share my story with not just the kids, but the congregation at large. I'm not the only member with fibro but I think I gave the group a greater understanding of what a FibroMIGHT's life is like. I noticed a definite response when I explained that sometimes hugs can hurt me. So far this tattoo has accomplished exactly what I set out to do in getting it and I look forward to continuing to raise awareness for those who live with chronic pain. Gentle hugs, FibroMIGHTS!
