A Letter from Our Son

A letter from my son about his passion for the art of tattoo and his strength to move beyond addiction. He gave me pernission to share his heartfelt words with you.

Heya Pops!! 

How’s everything going over there!? Yes, this is my email address still. That article is incredible, just to know that as long as humans existed we have felt need to mark ourselves with tattoos for whatever reason. I’m sure the tattoos back then weren’t quite what they are now but those people were definitely the pioneers of something incredible and new and brave. Now my only question is, how many of these people who got tattoos back in that time ended up dying from some sort of infection from the tattoos. I know now a days when we do tattoos you’re only supposed to work on the top 3 layers out of the 6 layers of skin on your body. I imagine back then tht these Neanderthals probably were piercing through the skin almost entirely every time. ( I mean, I def didn’t know any better on my first tattoo :-( ) Poor guy.... But look how far we’ve come with this form of art. I’m amazed at so many peoples skills and what they can do with such fine exact detail with just a needle tip and some colored inks. 

Well hope you guys are doing good! Thanks again for coming out to see me before my court date, that truly meant a ton to me and having you guys here definitely relieved some pressure and tension that I was carrying around worrying about what was going to happen. But, just getting a few days to just relax and spend time with you was truly incredible. I am one of the luckiest guys in the world to have such amazing, loving, caring parents. I feel terrible for all the shit I have put you guys through the years especially after losing a son already. I can’t do that to you guys and I may seem or be a little distant for the next few months/ maybe only weeks, but as I’ve seen this pattern of behavior happen going through withdrawals is not just an overnight event. It’s very very gradual and the mental battle is the most difficult when still living out on the streets and out of jail. Knowing where it is, knowing people who are always associated with it, it’s extremely difficult to say I’ve just made up my mind and I’m done using for good. No matter how badly I want that and need that I am tested every day. And there are some days that I fail. Which make the days that I’m able to stay strong that much better. But, thank god I have gone through this plenty of times now. I know what needs to be done, I know what to expect. I know how to alter my moods when I’m feeling low or depressed and I know there are people and places I can reach out to when I don’t think I can handle when is on my plate. And I know where and when I can find someone to stop and take a minute to listen. I have no doubt that this is the last run for me because all it proved to me that I was right and I do feel way better sober. I would trade my best day getting f d up for my worst day sober. It’s clear as day to me now.
I am grateful to have such wonderful parents who love me and care about me. I couldn’t ask for better parents. I truly am so appreciative and grateful for all that you do for me and how you have taught me what it means to love someone unconditionally. I can’t wait to see you guys again hopefully sometime soon!! I love ya, I’ll talk to you later- Your Son, Tanner

March 11, 2019

Oldest Tattoo Kit in North America Uncovered

A Ph.D candidate at Washington State University found the oldest tattoo tool in North America when taking inventory of archaeological materials stored for more than 40 years. It is dated at 2000 years old. This pushes back the earliest evidence of tattoo tools in North America back 1000 years. The tool was from the Basketmaker II  culture in the Southwest. No tattoos have been found on human remains in the Southwest and no accounts of its use have been recorded there. Earlier cactus tattoo tools have been found at 1100-1280 CE. There are depictions of tattooing in ancient artwork. The cactus tool that the student found was at a Utah site that is 1000 years older than the known cactus tools.
The tool consists of a 3 ½ inch wooden skunkbush sumac handle bound at the end with split yucca leaves and holding two parallel cactus spines, stained black at their tips.
The tool was put under an electron microscope, X-ray florescence and energy dispersive ray spectroscopy.