When I was young, many years ago, I looked at the tattoos that some of the older guys I worked with had, WW2 and Korea Vets and wondered why anyone would want an Ink Blot like that on them??? I decided right then that a tattoo wasn't for me.
The years and age are not good for tattoos. They look like shit smears after some years and sleeves take a beating from the sun.
A year ago my oldest Grandson decided he wanted a tattoo. Trying to explain what happens to them just wasn't working out for me and he was VERY insistent that he wanted one.
I told him I would pay for his tattoo and he was all in for that, "Really Grandpa, that's cool?" so we got in my Whip and off we went.
I told him we would have to stop by the American Legion on the way as I would need a Coolie Loolie or 2 before I could watch him get this tattoo.
Fortunately there were quite a few Vets at the bar and after I got a Draw I spoke loudly that," my Grandson wants a tattoo but isn't sure of what to get so could you guys show him some of yours?"
Beer in my hand, we went down along the bar and the guys showed my Grandson all of their Tats and told him what they used to be when first put on but it is kind of hard to tell now.
I finished off my Draw and we loaded back up in my Whip, total time spent at AL was about 30 minutes.
I drove 25 miles west and the kid didn't have much to say. He was very quiet, I quizzed him a bit about what ink blot he was going to get but he didn't have much to say. I did tell him to get it put on where a shirt would cover it since I was paying for it and he said OK.
I have told all 3 of my Kids the same thing. " If you have to get one, Don't put it where I can see it as I will feel like I failed in guiding you. And never let me see it."
We passed a tattoo shop or 2 on the way, as he was thinking, then I pulled My Whip up to one and told him, "Here we are! let's Gitterdone."
He made me Proud then when he said, "You know Grandpa, I think we should go home."
I asked him if he was sure as I would pay for it and he told me, "Ya, Grandpa, I am sure."
FM