My First Tattoo

When I was 17 yrs old, one of my best friends died suddenly in a car accident.  It was my first brush with the death of someone so close to me.  I hadn't seen him in a while and felt like I never really got to say goodbye.  I have always wanted to get a tattoo, something that made me think of him and honored him.  The problem with that is, I'm a weenie!  I have been terrified to get a tattoo, because I was afraid of the pain, even after having two children and injuring my ankle in a way that, to me, was more painful than child birth.  Finally, 20 yrs later, my husband talked me in to getting my first tat.. 
I have to say I was petrified, but I really wanted to do it.  I didn't even tell anyone until I was there, for fear of chickening out and then having to tell everyone.  ;)  I had the elements in my head that I wanted, but had no way of putting them together, since I was somehow born without that artistic gene that I covet so much.  I took my ideas, and pictures of the specific flowers I wanted to Jolly Roger, the most recommended tattoo shop in my town, and the artist did a beautiful job putting what I wanted together.  I was so mesmerized watching him draw the design just from the pics of the flowers I brought with me!  Then I find out it was only his second day at the shop, a newbie.. But he's done this for 10 yrs, he was just new to this town.  I can honestly say that this didn't bother me, esp after watching him draw, I have full confidence in him.  I'm so glad I did, and that he was the artist I got paired with!  He's such a beautiful talent that I feel honored to be one of his first clients in the area!  
When he pasted the outline to my ankle area, I noticed it came down to the tender area between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon.  I thought, ok I sure hope I can handle this!  Jason (the artist) started in that area.  It only hurt enough to cause me to make a face a few times, nothing terrible.  I asked him if that wasn't going to be the most tender area and he said it probably was.  After that, I relaxed, convinced I could handle it.  I was right, it wasn't nearly as painful as I expected!  I was texting and talking the whole time!
To explain the design:  I wanted a rose bud because my friend's name was Bud.. actually it was his nickname, but the only thing we ever called him.  Actually, I remember being at his house once, the first time we ever met his parents.. He and another friend left for a moment, I can't remember why.  While they were gone, his parents came home, to about 5 teenagers (that they didn't know) in their living room and their son not there.  His mother looked at us and asked "Where's Charles?"  Imagine their surprise when we all looked at her and said "who's Charles?"  Luckily, Bud is a nickname that he adopted from a family member and she revised her earlier question.. That was such a memorable day!
Anyway, I chose the other flowers by looking up "flower meanings" on the internet.. the sweet pea represents goodbye, and the xeranthemum (the orange one) represents immortality.  I wanted a butterfly because I love them and, to me, they represent freedom and change. 
It has been 1 week now and although it's still healing and itches like mad, I am truly happy with my new ink, and the decision to get it..