I also got a tattoo done with my son's ashes, he passed away at the age of 3 months and 10 days to SIDS...It really helped me deal with the pain of lossing him

I also got a tattoo done with my son's ashes, he passed away at the age of 3 months and 10 days to SIDS...It really helped me deal with the pain of lossing him

I'm not sure what to think of this - I guess if it was to happen to me I may consider this myself.
I don't think there is anything wrong with it.
But I'm sure there will be those who think this is crazy - but what the heck - But I'm going to ask some people I know and get there opinion this.
I say more power to you.
I hope this helps in your healing.

What a beautiful tribute to his son. My son passed away three years ago. I would consider this also.

the only ones who would think this is crazy,are the people who do not have children,or they do have kids but dont give a sh**t about em.I couldnt live without my boys..

I can see how this would help in healing but by the bible it's wrong to tattoo the dead on your body. it's a form of worship. That baby is playing in heaven that I can be sure of. And I'm so sorry that anyone has to go through a lost of a child. I misscarried at 5 months and it was very painfull, I can't imagine a two yr old. God bless and keep all the hurting families out there.

Do you realize that not everybody follows the teachings of the bible?

Although this isn't something you hear about everyday. I think it was a nice way to remember his son bye.

If it gives the mother and father closure on losing their infant son. Then, so be it

Judy
USA

I have my dead son's name on my body also.And don't give a damn about what the bible says

I know how this man feels at loosing a child. I lost my daughter 4 yrs ago and she was stillborn at full term. We still don't know the reason behind it, but I myself as a mother had gotten a tattoo in remembrance for her and it was my closing.....

If it helps the couple in their loss then I say good job and continue to grow stronger. Bless everyone that has lost a special little angel in their own lives..

Nessa USA

I think the tattoo using the deceased persons ashes just might catch on. It's a very good idea. Maybe someone can use a portion of grandma or grandpa's ashes or even a pet's ashes. I am considering my precious dog's ashes since reading this article. I think one is entitled to legally do whatever legally makes them find comfort.

I am a Christian but I think it is awesome what this man did! I would do it to, if I lost any children!! I dont think it is a bad thing to get a tattoo in remembrence of someone, especally someone you love that much! I dont think God would care if you got a tattoo in love for your child, and it help you to be able to go on with your life.

just when you think you've heard everything--------

And when the father dies, someone could have a tattoo made from HIS ashes, which would also contain his sons ashes. Keep this up, and after several generations, family members would have tattoos containing ashes of several of their ancestors.

I read ashes to ashes dust to dust, never read ashes to skin

I lost a son at 20 and have a tattoo of him and my husband who i lost i dont think im going to hell for it

kinda creepy...ok a lot creepy

I'm a Christian as well and I am really disturbed by the ignorance in the comments regarding the bible. I think this is a beautiful and poetic tribute to someone you dearly love. I lost my fiancé/best friend in Iraq three years ago and had his initials tattooed. I had never wanted one until I lost him. However, I can't even begin to imagine losing a precious child. I think those who are trying to dissuade others' choices in the way they memorialize their loved ones should really keep it to themselves. This is a very delicate and precious time for them. There is no room for judgment in situations like this.

My 20 year old son died 5 years ago. I've been wanting to get a tattoo of his (infant) foot print on my foot. I'm glad I saw this article before I decided to have it done! What an excellent idea! And I am not worried about going to hell just because I want to carry my son with me forever. My God is an understanding God.

I love how people quote the bible but obviously haven't read it through. for example,jesus freak commented on a verse in the bible that says do not tattoo or mark yourself in rememberence of the dead....the same paragragh says do not trim your beard. it also says to grow a fruit tree...and many other things to follow...so i ask you jesus freak,have you ever trimmed your beard?do you even have a beard?didnt think so...you see everyone knows that your picking and choosing from the old testament to suit your needs.you see everyone knows that Jesus walked the earth to save us because we cant abide by those strict rules...that means we follow the new testament.so i say read your bible through many times and you shall see the light and can make more educated comments to people...GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

I think its a beautiful tribute. Its not creepy. Having a guy living in your neighborhood that molests kids is CREEPY. Not a loving father grieving the loss of his son who decides to pay a tribute to him so he can feel close to him forever.....

the bible is a book people, not even one written by God. It was written by Monks. People heal in their own ways, I think God would want his children to heal in a way that makes them live on. I'm christian but I don't believe in pushing my religion onto others or judging them for a situation like this.

Blessings to his family

She never said anything about anyone going to hell. Did anyone actually read what she wrote or did you just sto at the part about what the bible says not to do?

I think that this is so nice... my problem is not with the ashes but the tattoo... I would be afraid to get one.. I hate needles!!

This is the way that this man chooses to be with his son and no where in the bible does it say that you can or cannot get a tattoo..

Good luck and god bless

i have a heart-shaped locket i wear with my daughter's ashes in it. it stays close to my heart. her sister's is shaped like a dophin. using the ashes for a tattoo is also a beautiful way to give tribute. before my daughter death, maybe i would have felt different. i have wanted to get a tattoo to honor my daughter. i love this idea. thank you.

i have a heart-shaped locket i wear with my daughter's ashes in it. it stays close to my heart. her sister's is shaped like a dophin. using the ashes for a tattoo is also a beautiful way to give tribute. before my daughter's death, maybe i would have felt different. i have wanted to get a tattoo to honor my daughter. i love this idea. thank you.

I have a tattoo on my left wrist that has the ashes of my son, as well. He was five when he died of leukemia complications. My tattoo artist researched it before doing it and found that the ink is carbon based. Since all life is carbon based, I thought it perfect. My son will always be a part of me and I will never "get over" the pain. When people ask me about my tattoo, they get the full story! It is, in a way, my way of letting people that just because you cannot see my wounds, it is still there.

I think this is a beautiful idea, and a perfect way for him to always have his son nearby~

I, too, have lost a son. No one can tell you how to work through your grief; you just do what works for you. You never get over it, you just learn how to deal with it. If this helps this man deal with it-more power to him.We can't judge him-only God can do that and my God would not condemn a man for whatever he needed to do to honor and remember his son. If you have never lost a child, you are very blessed. If you have never had to pray every single night that a cure would be found to save your child, you are very blessed. So, I say to Mr. Richmond-you are a lucky man to have your child so close to you. Someday you will be able to hold him in your arms again. Until then, you can hold him in your heart.

Why does everyone have to get defensive and then insulting. People give their opinions, some believe in the Bible some don't. Some believe in tattoos, some do not.

I too lost my son, my only child, a year ago. I had his signature along with a dove tattooed on me. The dove is in reference to a Bible quote, that says:

Luke 3:22 - And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

My son's name also happens to be Luke, so this worked for me on a number of levels. The truly funny thing is, I was always telling my son NOT to get a tattoo. One additional, small bit of comfort is the thought of my son in heaven rolling his eyes at me....

Obviously I believe in the Bible, but I also have a tattoo. I just don't understand why we can't be a bit kinder to each other. Every difference of opinion seems to start a war of words.

To all of the parents out there who have lost a child, I say whatever gets you from moment to moment, from day to day. My heart goes out to you all.

To those of you who haven't, I hope you never know this particular hell.

My cousin lost his mom his senior year of high school to cancer. About a year later he had some of her ashes used in his tattoo. What makes it even more special is he took her signature to the tattoo palor and has her name in her writing on his arm. It's beautiful, looks like she took a pen and signed her name there herself.

This is a breath of fresh air for me. As a grandma & a mom of my daughter who lost her son just recently. I search & search for ways I can give her some sort of relief from the on going pain, it never ever leaves. We hold our sweet angels ashes & I believe this may help. Thank you Thank you for posting this news article. People you DO NOT know this emptiness until you walk these shoes. It is the worst!!! Please

I think its a lovely idea my ex has our sons name tattooed on and it would have been better with ashes had we cremated him. I don't see anything wrong with it as you are not worshipping a dead family member but honoring his memory everyday until the day we will all be together again. To worship a false idol is to pray to it and ask for things and to bring up offerings. This is a simple remembrance of a loved one, and I hope the idea catches on, I would rather have my name on a tatoo on my sons arms than be stuck in a grave no one ever goes to visit, when I die.

I think this is a great way to honor his son. I would do it anyday. Thank God I haven't had to. God bless you and your family.

What a beautiful tribute to the little one. As far as what the bible says...there are different belief systems.
I believe in a system that remembers our dead in any way that we see is fitting. The ways we choose to remember our loved ones who pass on before us is a very personal decision.
I say..to each his own and if it helps fascilitate healing and closure and brings us peace...go for it. I think it is wonderful.
Some people have "diamonds" made of their loved ones ashes, some keep an urn in their home, there are many different ways we choose to memorialize and cope. Great for this Dad.
His son will have a resting place on his father, be remembered every second of the day for the duration of his father's life, and when his father passes on...they go together.
What a way to remember, and love, and be close to your child always when you aren't fortunate enough to leave this life before them. That alone leaves one hell of a mark.

My uncle passed away in August from liver cancer. Our entire family (13 of us) used his ashes in tattoos. All of us got our tattoos in places that it would hurt so we could have the memory of the pain and hurt that my uncle lived with for the last 2 years of his life. My uncle was a lover of fireworks so that is what our tattoos are. Some of us have a firecracker that is exploding and the others have the look of an exploded firework that you see on the 4th of July.

When my uncle had passed his liver was cancer free since he had his tumor removed from his liver the year prior to that. When the tumors returned in his spine and ribs it was the same tumor that was on his liver, so the doctors say that he had liver cancer.

Just some advise to all those ex-drinkers- you have a higher risk of getting liver cancer if you have been alcohol free for 10 years. My uncle was sober for 12 years when he got his liver cancer. There is hardly any pain with the start of the cancer so it is not normally found until it is too late.

My uncle's was caught early since he would go to the doctor any time he wasn't feeling well, his syptoms were not giving a clear answer as to what was wrong. Luckily his doctor agreed with him rather then telling him he'd get better.

How this man honors his son is his business and none of you has a right to judge him. If you ever lost a child you would understand the pain. I lost my youngest in 2004. He was 26 and I carry him with me every day. Remember to be kind to others because everyone is going through some kind of trials.

If this helps someone with their own grief process, more power to them. Only one will judge them in the end . I personally think its a great thing. I have a brother who was a tatoo artist who died last year this time and this may just be a way for me to heal from this. thanks for the idea, and god bless all who have needed this and any other way of dealing with such a tragedy or loss.

I lost my only child a son 4 months ago he was 28 and also left behind a 4 year old son. I will save ashes for him when he gets older in case he would like part of his Dad with him as well. I had never thought of getting a tattoo even though he had many. I had his name and the year of his birth and year of his death tattooed on my wrist and also had his ashes added to the ink. I look at this everyday and I think of how special it is because I will always have part of him with me.

I have a tattoo on my shoulder in honor of my 4 1/2 daughter who died of a rare blood disease and I think its a wonderful was of honoring your lost child. I am always reminded of the loss as that never goes away for any parent who had to bury a child but having a tattoo celebrates her life and how much I loved her.

I love all these posts! I lost my son at age one in 2005. Then my now ex wife wont release his ashes to me from her parents house. I'd love to get them and finish the tattoo I have in rememberence of him. To all you fortunate enough to still have all your kids and think this is a creepy idea....move along. Sorry but your opinions are not for the rest of us.

since when did it become acceptable to condem someone for a personal choice of tribute to a passed loved one? I myself have many tatoos and i find a tribute such as this to be touching and very aprocrate concidering that it' on his chest noone will see it unless he wishes them to, so that being said what is the big deal? As for religous issues, god dosent care he only needs your soul and spirit not your body and i cant speek for yours but my god is a forgiving god not a uptight politically correct pundit. Tatoos are now more than ever accepted in mainstream society so if you have an issue with them then simply don't look. Most certanly dont condem this poor man to hell for a tatoo otherwise hell is gonna get real crowded real soon.

May Our Creator give Us All more Grace and Mercy to Up-Lift Our Fellows suffering in loss, great as a child or little as the loss of a job; great as divorce or little as a missed goal in the season's final game.
What matters most to God, Christ and the Eternal Spirit is that we, ingnorant humans, expand our compassion and unified purpose beyond those who look, think, act and even worship Just Like Us!
"Jesus,Jesus,..Precious Jesus, O' for Grace to Love You More" Fanny Crosby.

Right now, I need grace not to condemn those who condemn but to recognize and grieve for their disconnectedness.

May Our Creator give Us All more Grace and Mercy to Up-Lift Our Fellows suffering in loss, great as a child or little as the loss of a job; great as divorce or little as a missed goal in the season's final game.
What matters most to God, Christ and the Eternal Spirit is that we, ingnorant humans, expand our compassion and unified purpose beyond those who look, think, act and even worship Just Like Us!
"Jesus,Jesus,..Precious Jesus, O' for Grace to Love You More" Fanny Crosby.

Right now, I need grace not to condemn those who condemn but to recognize and grieve for their disconnectedness.

i just want to say i think it is a very nice thing to do,i give you credit for thinking of it. i wish i had when my parents died. may God bless you.

i just want to say i think it is a very nice thing to do,i give you credit for thinking of it. i wish i had when my parents died. may God bless you.

It is a wonderful idea, if this makes him feel comforted then so it shall be. It is so hard to say goodbye to those we love.

It is a wonderful idea, if this makes him feel comforted then so it shall be. It is so hard to say goodbye to those we love.

To Vicki who lost her son but doesn't give a damn about what the Bible says. Maybe..you should have givin a damn....
I think the tattoo is great!!

I have read most of the comments posted. No one knows until they have lost a child and then everyone processes these things in different ways. I to lost my son to cancer in April of this year he was three years old and my first thought was to get a tattoo of him and I will and I know God will understand. This is part of my healing process, so I completely understand his reasons

wow, weird. People will DO anything.

i think that is really sweet of him to do this for his son he will always have a piece of his son were ever he goes. who gives a shiiiit what other sthink of your creative idea its your son and your body.

Losing a child is by far the worst thing a parent could ever experience.
Those of you who condemn the actions of others by placing your values above theirs and judging them by attempting to quote the bible are pathetic.
He That Is Without Sin Among You, Let Him First Cast a Stone
As Christ Forgave You, So Also Do Ye.

A beautiful tribute... God Bless the little angel
in heaven.

My 19 year old daughter passed away 4 1/2yrs ago. My son and I were going to get her signature tattooed but I decided to get another one instead. My daughter loved dragonflies and her favorite colors were pink and purple. SO...I have a pink and purple dragonfly. I too believe in God and the Bible, and I also believe God lives in the present. Times are differant and for whatever it says in the Bible about tattoos I think it would most definately be an acceptable thing. Unless you have walked in these particular shoes you would have no way of knowing the grief and anguish.
May God bless us ALL....

My father passed three years ago and I got a Canadian Maple Leaf with In Memory of....

WE SHOULD NEVER CONDEM ANYONE OF LOSING A LOVED ONE. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE WOULD DO IF IT HAPPENED TO US. I WISH IT DIDN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE.

I think that is a beautiful gesture of rememberance of his son. I have lost everyone in my family an now I only have my kids and my husband.. If i lost any one of my children I would definately do the same thing just knowing that they are that freaking close to me would help the healing process in a big way. I give this guy major kudos for doing this..God bLess and Im soooo sorry for ur loss!

I think that is a beautiful gesture of rememberance of his son. I have lost everyone in my family an now I only have my kids and my husband.. If i lost any one of my children I would definately do the same thing just knowing that they are that freaking close to me would help the healing process in a big way. I give this guy major kudos for doing this..God bLess and Im soooo sorry for ur loss!

I love my son dearly, though he decided at a young age to get some tatoos, most of which he has regretted since he got into the work force and his 20's. He's had one covered up as well as possible and wishes he could have them all removed. So do I.

Sure you've got the point I think tatoos are disgusting, a person with many showing looks dirty to me and hell will freeze over before I get one, with or without ashes. It isn't a sign of "love" to me; more like someone who needs some grief therapt. Because I'm donating my body to science, ashes are one less thing my only child will have to deal with.

When my father passed away i wished i had kept some of his ashes to have a tattoo made in his honor. What you are doing is out of respect and love for that person. I loved and respected my father wholeheartedly...

Its very sweet in a creepy way... I'm just concerned about possible health risks from using the ashes. He's keeping his son's memory alive, and theres nothing wrong with that

Its very sweet in a creepy way... I'm just concerned about possible health risks from using the ashes. He's keeping his son's memory alive, and theres nothing wrong with that

When my father passed away i wished i had kept some of his ashes to have a tattoo made in his honor. What you are doing is out of respect and love for that person. I loved and respected my father wholeheartedly...if i had the chance now i would still have the tattoo done...

Wow when I read this story it blew me away! What a beautiful tribute to the one you love!!! Loosing my father n sister n the same year it brought tears to my eyes! Amen! God bless to all who have lost a Great love of their life! Young or old....What an amazing idea!!!

I really don't think that it is right for any of us to decide whether it is right. ESPECIALLY those of use claiming to be Christian.....doesn't the Bible also say "Judge not, lest you be judged." ? If I lost a little one, and had her cremated, I would do it. However, I do not believe in cremation. However, that is MY belief. I say to those parents: I am sorry you lost your son. I hope this helps you to remember the time that you had with him, and heal from the horrible fact that you lost him so young. And I say to those judging: Have you ever done anything outside of the bounds set by God and walked by Christ?

What an incredible overkill of symbolism.

My 31 year old son committed suicide 3 years ago, and although I am not a "tatoo" guy, I wear his TAG watch everyday as a way of keeping him close to me. Those of you who have never experienced the loss of a child have absolutely no right to judge anybody elses "symbolism".

I don't mind tatoos---to each its own. But we all have our own opinions, like it or not...I have my moms ashes in a locket, just a we bit to hold for my own selfish reasons...I loved her dearly and talk to her daily......but to use them in ink for a tatoo-----not me sweetie. Like I said to each its own......God Bless all those lost souls.

I am a new mother, and reading this story brings tears to my eyes. I can't imagine a life without my daughter. I can't say what I would do to help me with that kind of pain, but could never judge how someone else copes with the loss of a child. I am sorry for your loss.

I took my daughters signature to the tattoo place and had her dates of birth and death added to it. I never wanted a tatto until she was murdered. This helped me for some reason tremendously. However, I have never heard until now about using the ashes. With so many ppl on here saying they too used ashes, it must be ok, but it sounds like it would be a health hazard. Shows what I know.... Personally ( as long as its legal ) whatever works for a grieving parent...works for me !!

I took my daughters signature to the tattoo place and had her dates of birth and death added to it. I never wanted a tatto until she was murdered. This helped me for some reason tremendously. However, I have never heard until now about using the ashes. With so many ppl on here saying they too used ashes, it must be ok, but it sounds like it would be a health hazard. Shows what I know.... Personally ( as long as its legal ) whatever works for a grieving parent...works for me !!

My wife and I lost our newborn son almost three years ago. For those of you who have never lost a child, I pray that you never have to feel the pain of such loss. Not a day goes by that we don't think of him and some days the pain still feels as fresh as the day he died. Before his death, I had never even considered getting a tatoo, but since losing our precious son I have wanted to do something that would honor his memory. I say kudos to this loving father for his choice, and want to thank him for giving me an idea on getting a tatoo in honor of my son who is still very much loved and very missed.

You people are all nuts who cares about your stupid opinions or why you have them !!!

I think that it is an absolutely wonderful idea. However a person choses to deal with grief and forever keep a loved one in the fore front of their mind is very personal and should not be judged by anyone! I do not and will not ever allow anyone living on this earth to take the self appointed role of MY JUDGE!

I think this is a beautiful idea. Whatever it takes to help this man cope with the loss of his son is what he needs to do. And I couldnt agree more with the person who said we should read our bible a little more carefully and not just pick and choose the verse that best suits your point. Our God is a forgiving and understanding God. A tattoo in remembrance of one of God's angels is completely acceptable.

These stories are amazing!!!!! I would very much get a tattoo with my kids or husbands ashes!!!!!!!!!Thats LOVELY!! Pink and Purple are my favorite colors as well!!!!!

I personally think its a great thing. I
have not lost any kids. But you should
not judge him.

Well some are saying it is in the bible not to put tattoos of past loved ones on your body...well when you go to heaven you will be leaving your body here..so no worries then...you will be tattoo free when you get there.

Not creepy as long as it is safe to do. As I read on I saw that it had been done before and researched as far as safty. I have not lost a child, thank god, but if I had and I wanted to do something like this, I would not care what others thought. I am sorry for your loss and respect your right to greive as you feel necessary. As for the bible thumpers, keep on a thumping. It takes all kinds to make the world go round.

I am very Christian myself and I try everyday to live the life God intended me to. Therefore, I would not dare pass judgement on anyone ever for it is not our place to judge no matter how righteous we think we are. All I can say to that man and everyone else who has lost a child, may God give you the strength and means to live through each day with the pain you carry in your heart. May the memory of your loved ones give you comfort and peace when you most need it.

the bible also says a man is not to cut off his facial hair but it is just a book that has been written by other men.

May we all live judgement free and be able to honor those who we have loved and lost in a way that pleases us. I believe that when we are truly happy and at peace, God is pleased. I cannot imagine being condemned for something created out of love.

I think this is a wonderful idea. Those who have not lost children just can't identify with it. I lost a son and wish I had thought of this also.

To each his own, I dont think its wonderful at all he will have the love and memories of his child forever he does not need a tatoo to remember him but what bothers me of all these posts is that someone says they dont give a damn what the bible says. That cut me deep because we as humans do what we want in life and disregard god like he is the latest fad. Be careful my fellow man.

When you have nothing else tangible left from your child this only makes sense. This is the closest you will ever be again with them.

Hi all thanx for all the kind comments I am Mrs Richmond and I actually had the portrait of my late son done today with his ashes, we have decided to open and dedicate part of our studio to in memory tattoos as my husband specialises in these and also portraits, so if any one would like to pop in for one please feel free too. you can email for more info dolphin.78@hotmail.co.uk
just to let you all know that i am estatic with my new tattoo. god bless you all

i would love to have ashes in my tattoo i lost my sister when she was 25 and i has nearly been 10 years now and for my first tattoo when i am 18 i want a remberence one but i dont know how you go about it ! any advice?