The tattoo was done in Saskatoon at Tantrix Tattoo and Body Art by artist Mike Thompson-Hill. The same tattoo artist probably didn't know that this was going to set off a both creative and meaningful connection between our famillies and his shop.
My girlfriend, Erin Mowat, got angel wings tattoo in memory of Reece and to symbolize their very special bond. Grant's Mom, Kathy, got a tattoo on her wrist of 'Mr Sun" peaking out from behind a purple banner with "Reece" written on it. I saw how these tattoos were great memorials to Reece and would be beautiful symbols to carrie with them. However, I didn't feel a personal need to get a tattoo at the time (early on in the 'grief process').
As a year and then another passed, Grant talked more and more about getting a phoenix rising from ashes, as testament to his 'process'. It showed how after losing Reece he had to pick himself up from nothing and continue on, and find continued purpose in life. It seemed so fitting for him.
Since we moved to our small town I had started planting various varieties of lillies and daisies. Generally attempting to stick to bright 'sunny' yellows and Barney purples and some hot pinks (all in honour of Reece). Someone sent us a packet of SweetPea seeds. I planted them, and they grew beautifully. I was actually shocked, I rarely have success with growing things, let alone from seed. They were pink, and purple.
Reece's nickname was Sweetpea.
Needless to say, I realized at somepoint that a flower tattoo would be in the future for me. A flower to honour each of my beautiful girls.
I brought the idea to Mike and let him run with it. He designed the perfect piece ... HUGE mind you... (lol) but perfect :)
Tantrix owner Leanne Thompson-Hill, honoured Reece by creating a charity (Reece Ryde Memorial Tattoo Charity) where that Tantrix artists donate their creative efforts and time to provide grieving parents with a memorial tattoo. Check out their website to see up-to-date tattoos that are helping parents move forward.
And in honour of my 'process', I will be unveiling a new blog soon as well! Something happier, something different....the journey continues!
Photo Courtesy of BurntBlack Photography
