Every Tattoo Tells A Story

Alex, Wen & Mira WEDS21MAR18

t’s an idea that first took root all the way over in the USA, at one of those retreats where the good times tend to flow right into the wee-wee hours. 

Which is how and when we all have our very best ideas.

The place was Ruby’s Rainbow retreat in Austin, Texas, and the great idea was instigated when a bunch of mums wanted to show the world just how much they loved their Down Syndrome kids.

And, given that this was Texas, it was late, the good times had been flowing for a few hours, and the mums wanted something rock’n’roll – so, naturally, they settled on the idea of matching tattoos.

Not long after the design of three small arrows – representing the three copies of the chromosome 21 that all their children shared – was being inked onto the skin of not only this small band of mothers, but plenty of others around America too, as social media lit up with love for the idea.

And that love has now spread all the way across the Atlantic, to Delgany, and equally proud and rock’n’roll mother, Wen Wang-Whelan. 

Swinging by this afternoon, it was clear that Wen was not only proud of her son, the mighty Alex, but also his shy little sister, Mira, too.

Not sure if Mira got her sense of social etiquette from her mum or from her dad, David, but, as happy as she was to see GG, and Max, she told us not to take that teacup home with us. Or the plate.

Alex simply wanted to play pretend rugby, and make sure that Max got all the leftovers after our Happy Pear chocolate chip cookies.

It’s all happening on Saturday, April 7th, at Atattooed in Bray, when Wen and a bunch of likeminded, loving parents are going to sign their 3 little arrows across their hearts. And their arses. And everyone is invited to do the same. Just, you know, let the kids at Atattooed know you’re coming on 012042070, or email wicklow@downsyndrome.ie for further details.

In the meantime, here’s Wen – and Alex, and Mira, and Max – on the importance of eternal love, having a tissue handy, and making good use of all our odd socks… 

You can find out more about Down Syndrome Day here. And send out your Get Well Soon wishes to Alex and Mira’s Olympic champ aunt, Lorraine Whelan, who, thankfully, survived a nasty car accident last week.