Promise

If you have met me or ever have the pleasure (I’m so humble) you may notice a small tattoo on my right hand pinky finger. It was two years ago around this time that I decided to subject my rather skinny finger to the master tattoo hand of Jake Miller at Cathedral Tattoo.

Around the time I had the tattoo done; it was very popular on Pinterest to see a tattoo like mine. Few people asked me if I had it done because it looked “cute” or “it was popular”; and if you ever do have the pleasure of getting to know me you would know I do not do anything because it’s “cute” or “popular”. The tattoo that ordains my pinky finger has a great sentimental purpose.

October 2009, my mother was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Cancer is such a bullet word and it typically causes people to jump to the worst. Because of my very close relationship with my mother it was as if a train has stuck me down right then and there. The following months consisted of heartbreak, doctor’s appointments, and sleepless nights. November 2009 my mother was admitted to Huntsman Cancer Institute. We have had a long standing tradition between the two us; a very special pinky promise. Her second night I joined her in her room; standing beside her bed, she made me pinky promise that I would keep my sanity and she promised me that she would survive. We have been blessed that she has been in remission for almost 4 years. My ink is a reminder of the relationship my mother and I clung to in a time of great turmoil and the love we share.

There are hidden aspects of my tattoo that mean even more. The “P” is in my mother’s hand writing. The “S” is the backward Partridge Family bird. The television show The Partridge Family was one of my grandmother’s favorites.

Another reason I got my ink (Not nearly as traumatic) I have never broken a pinky promise! BELIEVE IT!! In many ways a pinky promise for me is my word. I will not give it if I know I cannot commit to what is being asked of me.

It is more than just ink on my finger, it’s so much more.