There is always HOPE

Hope~to wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment. To have confidence; trust.
The word “hope” is an indication of certainty.

Hope has been a word that has stuck with me through my entire journey with melanoma.  I have hoped for many things.  I have been disappointed sometimes, but I have never given up hope.  Especially for a cure for melanoma.

 When I was first diagnosed with melanoma and went through my surgery, I thought a lot about getting something that symbolizes my journey.  I knew a tattoo was the way I wanted to express myself.  I went back and forth on the design and took 2 years to figure it all out.  I had an idea and I had to find the perfect person to design it.

I went to one tattoo parlor with a drawing that I had done with the word HOPE.  I tried to explain what I wanted to a heavily tattooed and pierced lady.  She didn't get it and I felt very uncomfortable, so I ended up waiting about 6 months longer.  It was May, Melanoma Awareness month.  I wanted to dye my hair black, but I decided not to since my hair is pretty fragile right now.  I was busy.  Way to much to do a lot of the things I wanted to do.  Then it hit me.  I was going to go get my tattoo. My daughter and I left and went to a different tattoo parlor.  One that I had researched and found to be the best in the area.  So, with my daughter for support, I went in with just the idea I had.  The guy drew out what would become my tattoo.  He asked me, "Do you like it?".  Near tears, I replied, "No.  I LOVE it.".  My daughter agreed.

An hour later, I had another mark on my body.  This time, it was one that I wanted put there.  Not another melanoma scar.  Not another battle wound to remind me of what could have been, or what could be.  Now I have a reminder to myself to never give up.

  There is always hope.