My tattoo is a memorial for my grandfathers. Two men who died within a year of each other. My paternal grandfather went first. He was in the Coast Guard in WWII. He kept the Nazis from invading Puerto Rico. He also got Clamydia from the same prostitute twice. Say what you will about him he was a loyal man. My mom's dad was in the Navy. I wanted something nautical themed but couldn't figure it out until I was looking up Davey Jones' Locker and realized that was the key. Grandpa Bob was a man who had no idea how to be a father. His own father was an alcoholic who no one has said beat him but it's heavily implied in family lore. His grandfather however was a respite from this. When my brother, the eldest of the grandchildren was born, he knew what he was doing. He may or may not have been a good father but he was an excellent grandparent. Grandpa Lee on the other hand thought he knew everything. He liked nothing more than to tell his children and grandchildren how to live their lives. Which if you met my family you'd quickly realize is the fastest way to get us angry. We moved to Maine to get away from him. Despite these flaws they're a part of my history, of me. Even if they could be right bastards their blood flows in my veins. Even though I know they weren't always the nicest of men, they're still part of me. Which is why I chose to have them tattooed on my skin. To remind myself the good parts of them are there and the bad. Because everyone is good and bad. And because Death waits for us all.