Wendy Aragon

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent two tattoos were inspired by my 22 year old son Mathew . He was killed April 10th, of 2023. I got the tattoo shortly before his most recent birthday. I have been really struggling to just survive. Losing a kid is very defeating. He took me with him when he passed away. It makes life hard to live, nothing in your life is normal after that. When I get a tattoo representing him, I feel close to him. I have cried after both tattoos. I get very emotional. It’s soul therapy.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

I miss you son! I love you with every breath I take. I don’t breathe the same, but I will keep going to keep your name alive. You will live on and I’ll continue to carry you with me. This tattoo will be there for everyone to see. I’ll be able to talk about you every single time I’m asked what my tattoo means. I’ll be able to tell your story. Even though I cry every time I talk about you, people will know about you for the rest of my life son. You will be remembered.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I want to help grieving families. It’s hard to find the right help you need for grief. When you’re grieving you just want to escape some where to drown out all the noise. I want to create a safe place where they are surrounded by nature. I want to find a way I can make it affordable for them to be able to disconnect from the world and catch their breath. People set you up to see a grief counselor, but sometimes you need more. You need a place where you can just be still.