01/14/2026
Sometimes the most beautiful souls come into your life and give you the opportunity to crack them open like a treasure chest.
Dusty came into my shop the first year I opened. 18 years ago! He was the first half sleeve I had ever completed. Then became the first whole sleeve on the other arm. I was 23 and he was 16. He came in with his mom, a sweet little lady with a raspy voice and lots of color in her life. Dusty didn't talk much, very shy as most 16 year old boys. His mom told me that he like to do magic. And I could see his face go into the most embarrassing state of shock. I told him I loved cards and that I had a deck right there in my desk. After I finished his tattoo he showed off some of his skills and absolutely wowed me!!
Time and time again Dusty came in with his mom. The relationship that they had was admirable. As the years went by, I seen Dusty turn from a quiet shy boy into a young man who was confident in his skills and open with his heart. When I see his posts I cry... Dusty lost his life to an overdose. I know his last days were heavy. I wish I could have been there for him to tell him once again what a wonderful person he really was, and what a wonderful life he has the possibility to have. But I was just his tattoo artist. I can't just call him and remind him of how much he really meant to me. Lol. Might be considered crossing the line of professional to personal. But.... if you've ever met me, you know I like to rip that red tape down! We'd had spent years in the chair together. Over 50 hours of tattooing. I think it's safe to say that I knew Dusty on a personal level. 😆
So if you're ever in my chair, and I'll lend you my ear, just know I take it all in. And I enjoy your company very much. And yes, you mean so much to me that when you leave this world it makes a difference to me too! So please take care of yourselves. Cause even your tattoo artist would miss you very very much! 💙