This is just a write up of PJ's experience and thought process around his angel-themed half sleeve tattoo, devoted to Jackson and Darcie.


I always knew I wanted an angel themed tattoo at some point in my life after Jackson and Darcie were diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome.  I also knew that I wanted it on one arm, and that it should take up the entire upper arm and shoulder, or a "half sleeve".  Actually, I really wanted it to be a "full sleeve" all the way to the wrist, but unfortunately I work a job that requires me to cover my tattoos!  Perhaps when I hit retirement age I'll have it filled out all the way down!!

My original thought was a female angel holding two hearts with the kids' names and script reading "Angels on Earth".  That was the statement I thought up on my own, because Jackson and Darcie truly are angels.  It's not a religious piece for me, it's an expression of how lovely and wonderful they are and how they touch the lives of everyone they meet.  

I researched and thought about this tattoo for over a year and finally decided to take it to an artist.  I chose Adam Hays at Red Rocket Tattoo in New York City (www.redrockettattoo.com).  (Adam's personal website is www.losttexan.us.)  He's an incredible artist with years of experience, and has done some angel tattoos in the past that I really liked.

Since I was working in New York City at the time, it worked out perfectly.  We met and talked about the idea and then I went back a few weeks later to start the process.  The drawing Adam came up with was awesome.  I never really was able to picture the idea I had in my head, but he nailed it.  We made a few minor changes to the design to my liking and then got to work.

Two sessions (and roughly 7 hours) later and I had my black and gray half sleeve completed.  It's my devotion to Jackson and Darcie, just like my portrait tattoo of Julie and the kids that resides on my back.  Some people may find it strange or a weird way to devote something to your kids, but I feel that artwork with a meaning is a truly passionate way to express your feelings.  I'm not an artist myself, but I have a huge appreciation for it, and especially for tattoo art.  Some people think I'm crazy that I would devote half of an arm to a needle and ink for a permanent statement, but to me it's the perfect way to do it.  People who see it absolutely love it and seem to really like the "Angels on Earth" statement.  They are amazed by the detail.  I still look at it every day in the mirror and admire the work.

The tattoos also help me with my personal healing process.  It's still very difficult for me to think about the fact that my kids will never be "normal", but everytime I look in the mirror, I see the artwork that defines my love for them and reminds me how lucky I am to have such terrific kids and an incredible wife.  My "angels" will always be there, signified on my right arm, and I wear it proudly.  

 
- PJ


Please click on our PHOTOS page for a picture of PJ's tattoo; it is absolutely amazing.
It is also displayed on the Red Rocket Tattoo shop website under Adam Hays' portfolio.

Contact us:  julieandpj@voicesforangels.org