Paul and I grew up in church together, but it has been years since we last saw each other or talked. Still, when we caught up a week or so ago, we found we had something to talk about—tattoos!
Paul says he always wanted a tattoo growing up, especially after seeing a Christian fish tattoo on a mentor of his, Mal Beall. But even somewhat to Paul’s surprise, he now has four, and he had major input on the designs of his first three.
He got his first tattoo about a year and a half ago after he completed boot camp. It is a Celtic cross with four words around it: “God” in Russian, “corps” in English, “family” in Gaelic and “friends” in German. He says these words symbolize what is important to him as well as his heritage.
The next tattoo Paul got is a soldier’s grave with the words “never forgotten,” which Paul says represents his respect for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving the United States.
Then about a year ago he got his third tattoo—a wolf on his arm. Paul says his uncle really loved wolves, and he rubbed off on Paul.
Most recently, Paul got a tattoo of his family crest on his side, which he is still waiting to finish. And he says that once that tattoo is colored and shaded that it will be his favorite, though at this point his favorite is the Celtic cross.
Besides having his family crest finished, Paul is not sure if he will get any more tattoos, though he says he may get one for his kids someday or something.
Sorry this story behind the ink was kind of short, but I am glad to be back into telling the stories behind tattoos themselves. I'll be back next week with another story, and I hope you all will join me!
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