10/14/2026
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:something
Less than a month ago, I had the opportunity to tattoo this gentleman. Just a few weeks later, I found out he had passed away.
It’s moments like this that really make you stop and think about how delicate life truly is.
As a tattoo artist, I meet so many people from all walks of life. Some sit with me for hours, some for just a little while. We share stories, laugh, talk about life, and then go our separate ways. Most of the time, we just assume there will always be another tomorrow.
But the truth is, none of us are promised that.
We get so caught up in our own problems, disagreements, judgments, and things that really don’t matter in the grand scheme of life. We forget that every person we cross paths with is living a life just as complicated and fragile as our own.
I’m grateful I had the opportunity to leave a little piece of art with him before he left this world. But more than anything, this is a reminder to me that the people we meet are far more important than the work we do.
Life is short. Love people while they’re here. Give grace freely. Forgive often. And don’t waste the time you’ve been given carrying hate in your heart. I especially need to be practicing this.
Rest in peace, sir. Thank you for trusting me with your tattoos.
