Shari Schiefele Schiefele

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I only have one tattoo—I waited over 40 years to get it. When my daughter left home for University, I knew I needed a piece of her with me. I chose a dandelion, like the one on my wall, with seeds flying free. I added in the music notes, as she is a beautiful musician. It symbolized what we give our children: love, confidence, and the strength to fly, knowing there’s always a safe place to land.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

My ink isn’t big—because sometimes the smallest things speak the loudest. It says, I did my job. I loved my child enough to let her go, and yet I carry her with me always. I placed it where I can see it every day, where I can rest my hand and feel her love, and remind her of mine. She is never far—because love like this doesn’t fade, it lives on, just like she does, in me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

After my divorce, my kids became my whole world. I took on both parenting roles without hesitation, but it meant putting myself last. With $25,000, I’d pay off bills—that peace of mind would be life-changing. And I would do something for myself. I’ve talked about visiting a close friend in Ireland. This would finally make that possible, and give me a moment to breathe, reflect, and feel whole again.