I have four tattoos. Each one different, but all sharing some important similarities. Let me start by saying as a person, I am impulsive. I often act on emotion, and struggle with understanding the idea of things being "permanent". Though, my tattoos are not an example of that behavior I often exert. All four of my tattoos embody someone that I love, whether they are still here with us or not. It all started with my first tattoo, "I am because you were", beautifully written across my ribs in cursive. I knew how permanent this was, and that was exactly what I wanted. I wanted a forever reminder that my father who passed away when I was thirteen at the hands of a drug overdose, was always there with me as long as I live. This was the first, but definitely wouldn't be the last permanent reminder I would stamp on my body with ink. The second and third tattoos are for my mother and my grandfather. The two most important people in my life. A flower creeping up my thigh, and a long bible verse stretching down my spine. Reminders that no matter where I go, these people are apart of me. Lastly, the most recent tattoo. A tiny imperfectly perfect puzzle piece that lays on the small of my arm. It matches my Bestfriend, who also has a shaky lined puzzle piece. She keeps me grounded, some days even alive. So, to you, tattoos may be the graffiti on a building that was not built over night. But, to me, these tattoos are art and a consistent reminder of the reasons why my building is still standing.