I could plant a tree, build a monument, sponsor a tiger... None of those really floated my boat.
A good friend of mine once suggested that I get a tattoo so that when I was in an old folks home dribbling into my lap, the young nurse giving me a bed bath would know I'd done something with my life... Something special.
A tattoo it was then. I did some research into the subject and asked around for recommendations. I investigated the process and drew up a short list of potential providers (yes I'm a planner,not one to be overly spontaneous!)
I considered designs carefully. This would be a permanent feature after all. I wanted the ParalympicsGB lion, because I was so proud to be part of it. I wanted the Paralympic Agitos as I felt the Olympic Rings were only for Olympians. And I wanted 'London 2012' for those who needed help with the association.
I did 9 designs before I came up with the version which said 'tattoo me'.
I discussed the options with my wife and together, we visited tattoo parlour #1. Studio IX in Grangemouth was a small shop, but clean and friendly. I talked about the options and pricing with the receptionist. I thought for all of 10 seconds before saying 'book me in'.
About 5 days later I entered the shop. I was nervous as I didn't know what to expect... Most certainly discomfort but how bad?
I watched as my tattoo artist (Murray) finished some work on a forearm dragon... He was skilful. Patient. Craftsman like. What I could see was beautiful and I remained pleased with my choice.
When he was done, Murray and I had a brief chat then he had a rest break while the station was reset... cleaned, cleared and made ready. The nerves were still jangling but I had a chocolate bar and a fizzy drink to keep the blood sugars up, so all was good.
Murray brought me from the waiting room into the parlour and explained the process. We discussed the design and tried out his outline... First attempt looked great. He'd done his prep well. I sat in the chair and got a lesson in tattooing... The machinery, the needles, the inks, how it all worked, how it would feel. He put me at rest.
My wife sat in the chair opposite to watch my reaction.. She was contemplating a tattoo for herself so this might make or break her commitment to doing it!
Murray began his work and after a couple of minutes said 'how's that?' He hadn't mentioned cricket so I presumed he was looking for feedback... Not bad I replied truthfully. 'Good' he said... 'It doesn't get worse than that!'
And he was more or less right. Some scratchy nippy, tender bits towards the end as he completed his shading work, but by then I'd been in the chair for an hour and a half. No blood, no screaming, just some rock music and.a bit of scratching...
I was delighted with the outcome... The colours worked well and the positioning was good. Murray wrapped it tenderly in cling film and went through the care procedure... Bepanthen or double base cream... Keep it moist, avoid bathing, keep it clean, don't scratch etc etc... Pretty much on a par with my prior research. Photo 1 is the work just after completion in the shop...
That night I put on a bandage to protect the bed sheets and next morning it looked like photo 3!
4 days on the flaking started... A small amount of scabbing / loose skin.
7 days on the loose skin had more or less gone.
8 days on and I'm still waiting for the itching I'd been warned about, but other than a bit of minor itching which I'd avoided scratching, nothing!
I'm told it'll be healed in 16 or 17 days but it almost feels healed already.., but I'll continue with the washing and doublebase cream 3 times a day for another week at least.
I love my tattoo. It's a permanent memory of an amazing time... I'm glad I will always have it there to remind me of some very happy times with some amazing friends!
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