Tattoo's

Back in the day, I had wanted a tattoo because I figured that people would never think that I would get one. Now I have two.

I got my first tattoo in 2004. It's the typical 'Yay Canada' maple leaf (I just didn't get mine in high school) and it's on my ankle. Thankfully, I was honoured to represent Canada in 2008 so the tattoo has meaning there but in truth, I really am very proud to be a Canadian. The heritage of my family comes from Russia on my Dad's side and Scotland and Ireland on my Mom's. I am so privileged to be a Canadian and to know that a huge sacrifice was made by my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents to allow me to have the freedoms that I enjoy.

My Opi in particular has had an incredible impact on my life. He just turned 96 and is still going strong. One of his favourite words is 'Terrific' -- no matter if things are good or bad, he'll say it's terrific. I just love that! He has gone through so much in his life and he is the Godliest man I know who trusts God in everything and has lived so faithfully to follow Him. A few years ago, I had him hand-write the word 'Terrific' and I had kept it in my Bible with the thought of maybe, just maybe, I'll tattoo that on me some day.

The main question in getting a tattoo is where to put it on your body. I would always play with ideas of putting it on my foot, or ankle. All I knew was that I wanted it to be visible to me so that I could look at it and remember God's faithfulness and that all things, in fact, are terrific. So let me tell you that when I decided to put in on my forearm, I was surprised! I wrote it on with pen several times to be sure and bit the bullet on my 30th birthday. It was something to get used to but I love it! I've only had a few days where I wondered what I did but overall I am very VERY happy with it and it has definitely become a part of me.

I am so thankful for my family roots and am excited to share the stories with those I meet. Here's a picture of my Opi from our family reunion this summer. We had some face paint out so he got a tattoo of 'Annie' (my Omi...his wife of 70 years!). Don't be alarmed with the dolla' bills on his shirt...they matched brilliantly with his bright yellow plaid gangsta' shorts! :)