Story Behind the Ink

                                                                                                                     Jesell Perez
                                                                                                                     English 110
                                                                                                                     Jay Lewenstein
             Most people get tattoos in order to tell stories about themselves and what they have been through. Every tattoo has a story behind it and can help the person stay motivated and keep them on the road to success. It can stand as a reminder for good or bad times that has helped them change their life. A remembrance of a time they had spent with a loved one that has now left the world. There is no doubt that each person with a tattoo carries a special meaning with them every day as a constant motivation.

            The tattoo I have chosen is my dad’s tattoo. It’s an image of an actual sized domino on his inner left wrist that is outlined in black. He had gotten this tattoo when he was a young adult by one of my uncles and overtime it has turned into a greenish color. Between the line of the domino there are four dots on one side and six on the other. There is somewhat of shading around it but it has faded to where it now looks like its barley there.

            I have always wondered why he had gotten this tattoo so recently I asked him. He told me that his favorite uncle would always play that domino in their game while he talked to each other and shared many laughs. Dominoes is a game with rectangular pieces with dots ranging from one through six. The objective of the game is to make the most points with the dots. You can only gain points in multiples of fives. He continued saying that his uncle meant everything to him. He was the father that my dad never had. Well, my dad does have a father but he wasn't how a dad should be. He was never there for him so his Uncle Johnny was the person he could always turn to for fatherly advice. The person that guided him towards the right path and always made sure that he was doing the right thing. The person that was always there for him when many had left him.

            His Uncle Johnny was the person that he had completely trusted and would do anything for. He was the guy that always had my dad’s back in everything that he did. I have heard many stories about him from my parents. They would always talk about him whenever they tell stories about their past. After learning so much about him I wish that I would have meet him. He had passed away a while back which had left my dad very emotional. I never understood why Uncle Johnny was so important to him, but after everything I know now it makes sense. He has had such an influence on my dad.

Tattoos inked onto peoples skin is more than just an image drawn on them. It is a self-expression that gives individuality. It’s what makes them unique and stand out of the crowd. There is no amount of happiness a person has after they get there tattoo done. I have seen many television shows that deal with tattoos, and most of their expressions are priceless. Tattoos mean more to people than many would think. Words, phrases, and images inked onto someone’s skin makes them see what they have been through and makes them focused on what they need to do in order to make themselves feel happy.