Tattoo Removal

Got your attention with that title, didn't I? Well, evidently those rub on tattoos don't come off of your skin all that easily.

Peyton put an eagle tattoo on her left cheek Friday for the football game. They never really ever come off easily for her, and she was supposed to get this one off before church this morning. Brian said something to her about it, but didn't realize she was going to try to scrub it off in the shower.

She didn't have a mirror in the shower to tell where exactly the tattoo was, and she scrubbed like there as no tomorrow. Half of the tattoo was off when I saw her, but a inch or so lower, she had a huge red spot where she rubbed the hide off of her cheek.

She sat over by some of her mom's family during church, and when we saw her afterwards, she had her handout from class in front of her face, and then her hand so that no one would look at her. She was so embarrassed.

As she left church with me, she held my hand with her left, and put her right hand over her left cheek. As we walked across the parking lot, she was telling me what she did, but I had to promise not to look at her. I caught a glimpse, but wouldn't dare tell her I did.

A couple of minutes later, she told me I could look, but that Grandma or no one else could.

When we got to Wal-Mart to pick up a couple of things (including a birthday cake for Mom), she wasn't trying to hide it anymore. But, when we got to produce to get some tomatoes for lunch, a couple from church asked her what she did.

Then, when we were checking out, the cashier asked if she had on make-up or had hurt herself. A very well meaning lady. I very non-chalantly said, "oh, she was trying to get her tattoo off, but she rubbed too hard." The lady didn't seem to buy it. She probably thought I was a terrible mother (which I am neither terrible nor her mother). And she brought attention to Peyton which made her self-conscious.

Once we got to Mom & Dad's house, I signaled to Mom not to say ANYTHING. Then, later Brian says something to her about not getting one on the same cheek next week. Peyton asked if she could get a ribbon instead. Brian told her yes, as long as she didn't put it on her face.

I told Peyton I didn't think her daddy was very funny. Paige and Dad made some other comment too. I had her back with them too. If nothing else, Peyton and Paige both should know I have their backs against mean family members.

So, the moral of this story, I guess is, if you get a temporary tattoo, get the rubbing alchol out or whatever you are supposed to use to get it off, but don't scrub your face raw. AND... you may be well-meaning, but you should probably just mind your own business as to not embarrass children in public places. You wouldn't want them to say something to you if it were the other way, would you?

I did kindly ask Peyton if she needed some make-up to wear to school tomorrow while we were on our way to Wal-Mart. A little cover-up may help her survive the second week of kindergarten.

Comments

Pam said…
Poor Peyton. Since my son broke his arm last week I can't begin to count the number of people who have asked him, "Did your Momma abuse you?"
They are trying to be funny, but the look on his face when they ask this--especially since he is very shy--probably makes them wonder if I did.
Audra Jennings said…
I hear from the school counselor that two other kids had done the same thing this weekend. At least she wasn't the only one.