Tattoo

Remembering the time

I almost lost my mind

When you passed away

16 years ago, I'll never forget that day

You couldn't see

You lost your speech

But the frantic cries

I put my hand on you

Sung you a soft tune

Calm you down

Wish I would've stayed around

To hold you during the night

To ease your anxieties

Assured you that you had put up a good fight

And it's OK to take your rest

But I didn't...

It hurt to see you in such pain

When I left, your wings you gained

You were a woman of strength

Cancer had won this round

Overtaking your weakened soul

It's the memories of you that we're left to hold

They're etched deep within

On the surface of our skin

A gentle reminder of you

Symbolized in this tattoo

Rest on mama

The holidays can be tough when you have lost a parent. As you try to recreate the tradition to carry on the memory of them, it never feels the same. There is always something missing. My mom died of kidney cancer 16 years ago. On July 7, 2018, my sister and I decided to get matching tattoos in memory of her for my birthday. This is an original design of the orange cancer ribbon connected to a heart. We wanted something to represent the memories of her that we hold so dear forever in our hearts. This tattoo also represents the bond that my sister and I have. I am pretty sure that is what my mom would have wanted of us.

To anyone who has lost a loved one and may be struggling during the holidays, just know that you are not alone. I've found that surrounding myself with family and friends helps me get through the holidays as we create new traditions and memories for our children.

If that does not work for you, please know that it is okay to seek the proper care for your mental health by talking to a professional counselor, therapist, or mental health provider.