Hollyhocks & Heartstrings
Three hollyhock dolls—To most people, they might look like just flowers, but to me, they carry a world of meaning. Each doll is a representation of myself and my two sisters, but the meaning behind the hollyhock doll goes deeper.
When we were growing up, our dad was a stay-at-home parent. He filled our childhood with creativity, patience, and love. He taught us about art, constantly introducing us to new crafts, encouraging us to appreciate music, theater, and nature—and he was always cooking or baking. One of my favorite memories is the way he used to make us hollyhock dolls in the summertime.
It was such a small gesture, yet he was able to make magic out of something ordinary.
Those dolls became symbols of his creativity and his quiet way of showing love. Four and a half years ago, we lost him—and with that loss came the ache of missing all those little things he did that made life beautiful.
Now I have the honor of carrying this tattoo as my reminder of that gentle, quiet love. It’s a tribute to him—to the father who shaped my world with his hands and his imagination. It’s my way of holding on to him and to those summer days. It’s my way of holding onto the love that has never really left me.