Friday, August 15, 2008

Advance Happy Birthday Joey













Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!

See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. . .

-Isaiah 49:15-16

OK, it may not be the palm of Karen's hands, but Joey's name is now permanently tattooed in the forearm of Karen. She did this in honor and remembrance of Joey's 29th birthday (on August 17th)

The beautiful thing is, even if Karen forgets Joey (which we all know will NEVER HAPPEN), God will never forget us. What a great comfort and encouragement that is! I can just imagine my name tattooed in my Father's palm, God' palm no less.

Happy Birthday Joey - I am sure you're smiling at your mama's tat :)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I brought my family to Maui in January as a graduation present for my twins,Matthew and Brittany. I gave them each $250 spending money to buy whatever they wished, and they both chose tattoos. Out of everyone who heard of their decision, the two who were the most supportive were Uncle Joe and Aunt Karen. They thought it was a great idea, and frankly, my kids were a bit suprised, as they thought that people as "religious" as they would certainly disapprove. But their Aunt and Uncle showed complete support for the decision, and were among the first to give the bloody, swollen works of art their personal thumbs up. This boosted Matt and Britts confidence in their freedom of choice and expression, and they still speak of it today. Now, Aunt Karen has soared off the charts on the "cool o meter", just as Uncle Joe did when he dove from 14,000 feet with Joey's ashes in hand. Thank you, bro and sis, for supporting my kids dreams and not making them feel foolish for their choices. I believe this kind of support and love was key in Joey becoming the man he was. Though some choices made you nervous, you supported those choices, and now aren't you glad you did? I sure am, because that same sense of trust and care has made your niece and nephew more confident in who they are becoming. Love, Steve

P.S. Karen, they want to know if you went to Island ink in Paia, or another tat shop??

Anonymous said...

The Forearm! That is so impressive and Cool. Its perfect! The gauntlet has been laid down by,............ NANA of all people. Forearm tattoos, the new standard...Who dares to challenge that move? It doesn't get any bolder really. I Love It! Good work karen. You should stop by the Hollywood Church the next time you are out there to say hi and show them how you roll! JJ will love that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY.
Posted by RAY

anjuli paschall said...

I love it! happy birthday Joey.

Karen said...

Thanks for the support! It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it for Joey. I went to Island Ink in Paia, just because my niece and nephew, Matt and Brittany, went there. I figured they knew better than me! My tattoo signifies that Joey is in my heart, the cross of Christ is over us both, and the tendrils stand for the offering of Joey's life rising up to the Lord.

Jaime and Rachel got their tattoos this afternnoon, and JoAnne is going this weekend...pix to follow! Happy Birthday Joey!

Anonymous said...

Karen, you go girl! I recognized those beautiful freckles right away :) Can't wait to see it.
Happy Birthday Joey!
Much love to you both,
Leslie
aka "freckles"