I'm Gonna Do It, You Can't Stop Me...Unless You Tell Me It Hurts Really Bad.

You might be wondering what this post is about.

Well, kids...pull up a chair, sit back & relax.

I'll tell you.

It all started on June 29th, 2003. Matt & I were involved in a horrible roll-over car accident. A girl was going too fast, lost control of her car & hit us in the back left side of our Jeep Cherokee.

We rolled FOUR times. Thankfully, a big tree stopped us or we would have rolled some more.

I don't remember the ACTUAL wreck. Matt does, though. He remembers counting the number of times we rolled. As long as I live, I will never know the torture he went through during what I'm sure what felt like a lifetime, but probably only lasted a few seconds.

Maybe that's why his injuries were minor. He escaped with a deep cut on his left arm.

To make a long story short (which someday I'll tell you more about it), the impact of the accident crushed both of my legs. I was in the hospital for 8 days, 3 & 1/2 of those in ICU.

The day after the wreck, I had surgery on my legs. I couldn't walk for 10 weeks. Matt & I "moved" into my mom's house, so she could take care of me while Matt was at work. (We lived in a 2nd story apartment at the time). My mom had to help give me a sponge bath every day & every other day, she would put me in my wheelchair & take me out on her back deck & wash my hair. I couldn't really do anything but lay in bed & read or watch TV.

(In a future post, I'll tell you about how wonderful Matt was to me during all of this. It'll probably make you cry).

I went through months of physical therapy & slowly began using my legs again. I "graduated" to a walker, then crutches, then a cane. I've also had numerous surgeries & I'm not done yet.

Eventually, I'll have a total knee replacement on my left leg.

To symbolize how far I've come since that day, I've decided to get a tattoo.

I know, it's probably not that big of a deal. I know millions of people have one. But, to me, this tattoo will hold special meaning.

I want a small purple butterfly on my lower back, on the right side. I want it be just above my panty line. That way people can see it when I'm wearing a bathing suit.

Why a purple butterfly?

Purple's my favorite color & a butterfly symbolizes freedom. And, that's how I feel.

Free.

My only fear is that it's going to hurt. Really bad.

I'm NOT a fan of pain.

Matt says it won't hurt anymore than what I've already gone through. (He knows. He has a tattoo on his arm).

So, if you're reading this & you have a tattoo or you know someone who does, please tell me it doesn't hurt. But, if does hurt, then don't be afraid to LIE to me.

Thanks, Internet...I know I can count on you!