Randy

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

It’s a Jack Pine cone, sprouting a new tree. Jack Pines are the 1st tree to begin growing after a forest fire. Jack Pine seeds must go through fire scarification before they can germinate. This has been an apt metaphor for my life, in keeping with my Phoenix & fire theme. I got the Phoenix after I went through a total loss (5 alarm) fire in 2010. I got the Jack Pine in a forest fire tat just before my 1 year follow up with my surgeon from my thyroidectomy & cancer.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

This MF has survived a total loss fire; being caregiver to his mom who had Alzheimer’s; a Derecho (inland hurricane), multiple health issues , with myriad surgeries, including cancer. You can knock him down & kick him while he’s down, & he’s going to pull himself up while screaming “FUCK YOU UNIVERSE! I’m getting back up, you son of a bitch!” The Latin translations are: don’t let the bastards grind you down, my word is my bond.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay down some of the debt I’ve accrued due to not being able to work because of my myriad health issues & surgeries. I would reserve some to do something special, (probably a trip) for myself and my lifelong best friend, because life is too damned short & we both have fought most of our lives in survival mode, metaphorically treading water.