My Anchor

My mom was, and still is, my anchor in life. I’ve had the idea of getting a tattoo to honour her for a while, but today, I finally did it. It feels like a tangible way to remember my mom.

As I sat in the chair and the needle buzzed, I felt a mix of emotions. Sadness for the loss of my mom, of course. Any time I am doing something I can’t share with my mom, or that reminds me of the finality of her life, I am sad. But at the same time, as I watched the ink become a permanent part of my skin, I also felt connection and love. 

The anchor means so much more to me than just an image. It is a representation of our family's houseboat, mine and my mom’s favourite place in the world, and the place I feel closest to my mom. But it also represents my mom herself. My safe place. My steady constant. The person who grounded me when I felt overwhelmed. She gave me confidence when I doubted myself, strength when things were hard, and unconditional love through it all. She was the person who held our family together during the hard times… the stormy seas of life.

This anchor on my wrist is now a reminder that while she is no longer here physically, everything she gave me still is.I know there will be days where I glance at my wrist and it will be a source of comfort and strength. I know there will also be days where I see it and cry. 

Today I got a tattoo and I honoured my incredible Mom who will forever be my anchor, even in her physical absence.

Shout out to Senga from Discover the Canvas in Sault Ste Marie for making this an excellent experience!