My head tattoo and what it means to me...

[Boanerges]

I avoided posting any of this as it is a lot of personal info. But I have made a lot of friends here and there seems to be a lot of interest in it so I feel confident that my story should go over well with the people here. I originally only answered questions about it to my friends that PM'd me.Anyways, here we go: My head tattoo took 3 sittings. First sitting was the outline (which I can't find any pictures of for some reason) and took a couple hours. The second sitting (Dec 13, 2008) was all the heavy black, black shading, thickening the out line etc. and took 3 hours. The last sitting (May 2, 2009) was the color. That took a little over three hours. I had it done in three sittings because I couldn't sit there and have it all done in 8-9 hrs in one shot. I have a very high pain tolerance but not that high. On top of that I do not drink (going on two years sober) or smoke or do any type of drugs. The only pain releif I got was advil-which didn't help. And please ignore my ears as they are a little cauliflowered.
The reason I got it is kind of a long story so I will shorten it the best I can. About 4 years ago my house caught on fire. I tried to get all my animals out while the house was burning (I just couldn't leave them in there). Luckily I was the only one home. My wife who was pregnent at the time was at work (another blessing). At one point when I was in front of the closet something exploded and blew the fire on me. They flew me in a helicopter to the hospital (Crozer burn center, Philly) and I almost died. I was burned on over 52% of my body. Anyone who has been badly burned knows that the percentage of your burns is the percentage of if you live (I had a 48% chance). I had to learn to walk and eat again. They bannana bagged me when I got there because they knew I had a drinking problem (as my wife told them) and gave me meds and fluids and such to help me with the withdrawel. I came out of the hospital and had a few relapses where I would drink like at special occasions and such but now I don't ever drink (SUPER condensed version of this story).
I prayed and prayed to be able to stop drinking on my own to no avail (I tried just about everything). I honnestly beleive God gave me a TON of time to stop on my own. He IMHO answered my prayers with the house fire and gave me the help I needed to stop (as I could not stop on my own). Reason 1 for the angel and demon. I am a christian (although not always a very good one but I try) is reason for wanting the angel/demon (something religious). I incorporated mma in it as that is what I am into. I had the angel winning in the sense that the good is winning in me now (at least fighting for me). I got into a TON of trouble, mainly from the drinking. I am doing much better now. The angel demon fight also represents my good evil struggle that I have on a daily basis (as i am sure we all have, some like me have it more then others). Anyways, the tattoo is very meaningful to me and makes sense why I got it when I break it down.
On to the photo's:

[West Coast Jungle]

That is just an amazing tat!
Happy to hear your story has a positive ending. Keep fighting the good fight.

[BPHERP]

I love the tattoo also, however...

...the angel is yourself, and the devil is yourself too. I honestly believe, at least in my life and understanding of things, that the good and bad in our lives has everything to do with the choices WE make and not anyone or anything else. If we have free will, the byproduct of such autonomy is personal choice. If good things happen, its usually a result of good choices, and alternatively, when bad things happen, well, thats our responsibiity also, and nobody else's. It comes down to personal responsibiity, period.

[2kdime]

He obviously had to really do a number on you to get you to quit drinking.

My family has a lot of alcoholics and I'll tell you that that would be NO place to raise your child.

I congratulate you on your strength, as well as the lords, to turn you into a better man.

Thank you for sharing your story.

[Creeptastic]

It was very brave of you to write this, and extremely touching. I am so glad to have found you on here, and become friends. I know you will win the battle of good vs. evil. You are an amazing person, and the tattoo is an outstanding way to remind yourself of these things. You can overcome anything.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Every time I look at your avatar I always thought this was such a cool tattoo, and now I am amazed of the story behind it.

You should be very proud of yourself and how far you have come.

[Jerhart]

Way to go Jeff. Takes a lot of strength to do what you are doing. This is obviously a public forum...and many people will read this thread (members and non-members). That being said, you are going to serve as an inspiration to many people you will never meet. Way to go...you are good people!

Wrestler? ...I have a bit of cauliflower ear from 9 years of wrestling.

[waltah!]

Same here, always thought it was a great tat. It's an even better story behind it though. You had to go through a lot to get where you are.

[Kysenia]

Thanks for sharing that inspiring story.........you and your family are in our prayers here...........awesome tatoo and awesome person behind it.......!

[dsirkle]

There are a million stories in the Naked City.