Band of Life
“This band was a birthday present to myself on my thirtieth birthday. I had just graduated from medical school. I had been submerged in medical school life for four years, and after I finished I wanted to be as far from that world as possible. At that point, I guess I started doing everything you weren’t supposed to do after medical school. I started working in a bar, dropped all my medical connections, and generally stayed as far as I could from all things doctor.
Right at the same time, I had just met my future husband, but we were just dating. I didn’t even tell him about my tattoo appointment because I wanted it to be entirely my decision.
The tattoo took three hours. It was actually a really fun experience. The artist was really nice, and we chatted the whole time. I took ibuprofen before I went in, and the pain was in no way overwhelming.
This tattoo represents the circle of life. When I requested the drawing, I asked for a band made of entwining vines. I wanted a representation of instinct, trust, faith and nature over an achievement-based, sterile, science universe.
When I came to get the tattoo, the artist had included these jewels into the drawing. They were not part of what I had originally asked for, but I liked them a lot. There are five of them, which is also a strange number. I try to imagine what they mean. Did they predict my children? My dreams? My marriage? My feelings of success outside the medical world? I’m still not sure, but I am certainly happy with the choices I’ve made.”
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