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.
