Koi Fish turning into a dragon

Well it's almost healed and I'm going to have it colored on Wednesday. I'm going to see the artist today with Lloyd who is getting his piece done next Saturday. It came out really well. I like it a great deal more than the work the last artist I went to did. In fact, I'm going to speak to him today and see if he can fix a few issues I have with my mother's tattoo and then have it colored by him as well. I regret having not been more patient and waiting until I meet Ray. He's way More experienced and a better artist. I'll post another picture when it's colored.

For anyone who doesn't know what a Koi fish represents here is the explanation:

According to an ancient legend legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon.

Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

More generally, the Japanese associate koi with perseverance through adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

Others say it means good fortune or luck.

Another day

This past weekend was a full one.

On Friday night I went to Middleboro to see the tattoo my brother got as a memorial to my mother. It came out beautifully and I will get a good picture of it to post as soon as I can. It's a Celtic cross (hand drawn...very impressive with the knot work) with M O M in the top three branches of the cross. He also got Morgan's name on his arm too. They really came out great. I go on Thursday for my next piece.

Sat was my cousin Timmy's graduation party. First, I can't believe all my baby cousins are now out of high school. It makes me feel old. It was really nice to see everyone there. It's been a long time since I went up there. In fact, I don't think I've gone since my uncle died. It was nice, but still hard at the same time because everything just seemed to scream "two of the people you've loved most in your life aren't here and never will be again." I took comfort in the family and how many of them were happy to see me. It's still very hard for me though. As always, Morgan and Bryan were my biggest comfort. It was nice to see everyone relaxing and having fun though.

Sunday I had breakfast with the newest Daddy in my family, my brother. We had a very nice breakfast and Squishy (a.k.a. Morgan) was the center of attention as usual in her cowgirl hat. Three days with her in public was quite and eye opener. I know that I'm partial to her because she's my niece but it's amazing to be in public with her where everyone stops to look at her and tell us how beautiful she is!!

My mother was so proud of the father my brother is already. I wish she was here to watch him grow as one and to see how much Morgan loves him.

My mother's Candle

My mother was a very active member of her church (Trinity Episcopal, Randolph) and they dedicated a candle in her name two weeks ago. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go. Lloyd had been very sick with a stomach virus and that morning I had some symptoms. So, because the baby and Nana would have been there I had to stay home. I was heart broken but they tell me it was a beautiful service. The picture they had of her next to the candle is probably one of the best pictures I've ever seen of her. It's a happy picture.

I miss her more every single day. It hasn't gotten a bit easier and although I'm told by everyone it will I simply don't believe it. I'll get better at bearing the burden of her loss but it will never be easier.

Nana is, of course, still having a hard time. Each of us are I guess. Today is Bryan's 31st birthday and although we haven't talked about it today I know it's hard for him to not here my mother sing an out of tune Happy Birthday song to him. Although when I sang to him he said, sarcastically (but lovingly) "I'm not sure who has a "better" voice, you or Angela..."

Well, tonight we meet at the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate him and then he and Kevin (our cousin) head down to the new MGM hotel at Foxwoods to gamble and WIN BIG.

Love you all,
me