Wishbone

Many families have traditions that get passed down from one generation to the next. For Lilly and her grandmother, those traditions eventually found their way into a tattoo.

The small wishbone tattoo tucked behind Lilly’s right ear carries a story that means far more than most people would guess at first glance.

Lilly’s grandmother, whom she lovingly called Mammy, shared a tradition with her that started whenever a bird was cooked for dinner. The wishbone would be carefully removed and set aside to dry. Once it was ready, Lilly and Mammy would each take a side, make a wish, and snap it apart. Sometimes another family member would join in, but more often than not, it was a special ritual between grandmother and granddaughter. You can almost picture the two of them sharing a smile and a little sparkle in their eyes as they waited to see whose piece would be bigger.

At this point, you might assume Mammy was heavily tattooed herself. Surprisingly, she wasn’t. In fact, she didn’t get her first tattoo until she was 64 years old.

It all started when Mammy and Lilly decided, somewhat on a whim, to get tattoos together. Mammy had always wanted a tattoo but had never quite worked up the nerve to get one. That first tattoo changed everything.

A couple of weeks later, Lilly called her grandmother with another idea.

A tattoo shop in Concord, New Hampshire was holding a Friday the 13th flash event. For one day only, customers could get a tattoo for just $13. Lilly thought it would be fun to go, and Mammy was immediately on board.

After work, Lilly picked up her grandmother and the two headed to the shop. What followed was an eight-hour wait in line. Despite having a club foot and the discomfort that came with standing for so long, Mammy stuck it out. Neither of them was about to leave without their matching wishbone tattoos.

When they finally emerged from the shop late that night, tired but thrilled, they celebrated the only way that seemed appropriate after eight hours of waiting: a very late-night trip to McDonald’s.

Three years later, Mammy passed away.

Today, the wishbone tattoo behind Lilly’s ear serves as a permanent reminder of those shared traditions, spontaneous adventures, and the bond they built together. Mammy may be gone, but every time Lilly catches a glimpse of that tiny wishbone, a piece of her grandmother’s story lives on.

Initials/Name: Lilly (you can find her at Portifino’s in Merrimack, NH)

Artist: Caesar Hernandez

Tattoo Shop: New InkLand