antiquity

I was watching L.A ink today while I was at work. It's very odd but I appreciate and understand when people get tattoos for self or as memorials to loved ones, but the dedication this one fellow made just hit me so close to home. This guy went in to get a tat from Corey, his specifications were clear and precise, of course allowing the artist his freedom on the piece. The fellow wanted an owl trapped in a tree. When asked why he wanted such a thing he replied it was a dedication for his older sister, who is mentally challenged. He felt like she was an owl trapped in a tree.. the quintessential picture of wisdom trapped in it's surroundings and self. It was very touching. I always view the guys I work with as average intelligence trapped by the boundries and limits of an underdeveloped canvas (mind). It is so easy to forget with the mentally challenged that they are not children. They have the same thoughts and confusing feelings as we do. It is so hard to view them without bias.. but we try.