About 7 years ago, Jake walked into our backyard holding a giant sunflower that he unearthed for me. He was 14 at the time.
He stuck it into our garden box, as if hope would allow it to continue thriving there.
My sweet, funny and thoughtful boy..

That flower stayed in the same place for years, brown and stiff.
Some memories stain my brain with nothing but love and adoration.

Raising my kids, I handed down some of the silly things that I was taught, like blowing on dandelions (we call them “wish sticks” ) and playing “he loves, he loves me not” with flower petals...
I taught Syd how to make daisy chains and all the sing-songy rhymes we say while walking on sidewalks like, “step on a hole, break your mother’s sugar bowl.”
Sort of like a right of passage in childhood, I suppose.

When I contemplate the art that I want tattooed on my memorial sleeve for Jake, it’s important to me that each design is original and specific to mine and my son’s relationship.
Something that borrows from a memory, not to be lost, as long as I continue existing.

That sunflower needed it’s place on my arm.

I had the thought to incorporate one of the games I taught my kids, and the original idea was born.
I messaged @Hankster for some collaberative help in bringing it to life, because I love the way he communicates comfortable simplicity in his drawings, and because he has been such a kind and supportive friend.
He was happy to help (thanks again, Rik)

I wanted the old sunflower with one petal still attached, the rest of the petals at the stems floor.
He gave the leaf a subtle shape of a heart.. that brought me to tears.
Between Jake, Rik, my tattoo artist and myself, we designed a tattoo that means the world to me...