My tattoo story: 'I always have my mom with me'

Note to readers: The News-Press and Naples Daily News' have launched a series called "Tattoo Tales" featuring a tattoo story ? from the heartwarming to the humorous ? asking those who are participating for the story behind their body art.

Have a tattoo story to share? Send you story by email to: [email protected].

Fort Myers' Cindy Perouty: 'Love ya, Mom'

My name is Cindy Perouty and my story is this. My mother Jackie passed away from colon cancer on July 31, 2019. My siblings and I were with her when she passed. My mom was much loved by all who knew her, including our childhood and adult friends. She was outgoing and loved to go to lunch with friends, as well as travel. Mom developed dementia, which wasn't diagnosed until eight months before she passed. She never forgot who we all were.

After mom passed, and Covid left its mark on everyone, I decided to follow my sister to Fort Myers from my home in Maryland in 2021.

While I was packing, I found the last birthday card Mom had sent me. Mom always frowned upon tattoos on women. It took me until 2023 to get past her teachings to get a tattoo of what she wrote in my birthday card - "Love ya, Mom".

I went to Art and Soul Tattoo on S. Cleveland Avenue and consulted with Dow, who is an amazing artist. I gave her my design idea and she came up with a beautiful recreation of her own. I copied my mom's words from above off the card and had it surrounded by a wreath of coral colored and yellow roses, which were mom's favorites.

The tattoo came out wonderfully and I feel that I always have my mom with me.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: How painful is it to get tattoo?