Plymouth Magazine-Winter24-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 18
Robert “Lewy” Lewis
Mike Peterson
Tattoo: Chicago Cubs
Tattoo: A blazing star
When did you get this tattoo? 2016
When did you get this tattoo? 2021
What is the significance of this tattoo?
I had brain and spine surgery, and our son
John was coming to see me in the hospital.
The morning of his visit, I coded. When
John arrived, I was in intensive care and
comatose. John was only twelve. I think
about him at my side, holding my hand and
wondering whether his dad would live or die.
When John was growing up, I wasn’t able to
do a lot of the activities that the other fathers
could do with their kids due to lingering
results of this surgery. I couldn’t throw a ball
or race around the yard. But we did have
Chicago Cubs baseball. Occasionally, we
would watch a game on TV, but for the most
part, we would listen to play-by-play on the
radio. John was full of information about the
Chicago Cubs. I wondered if he might even
know the players’ shoe size.
When I was in the hospital, I don’t
remember him standing by my bed holding
my hand. At one point, he said,” Dad, you
can’t die because we have to listen to many
more baseball games together.” I muttered to
him that if the Chicago Cubs ever won the
World Series, I would get a tattoo.
John ended up living two blocks from
Wrigley Field while he was in college. When
we visited him on game day, we could hear
the crowd in the distance. It was marvelous.
When the Cubs finally made it to the
World Series, my wife Chris, John, and I
communicated daily about the games. The
last game of this series had a big rain delay,
and the game was not over until two in the
morning. The phone rang when the Cubs
won and John said, “When are we getting our
tattoos?” John ended up making the design
for my tattoo honoring one of my heroes,
Ron Santo (#10). Ron played every day with
juvenile diabetes. John’s tattoo is nearly twice
the size of mine, and his is high on his thigh.
18
Lori Fenton
Tattoo: A Kidney
When did you get this tattoo? 2022
What is the significance of this tattoo?
I got a tattoo in 2022 — my one and only
so far — to commemorate the non-directed
donation of my kidney in 2021.
A non-directed donation means I gave the
kidney to a stranger. Since then, I did meet
the recipient, as well as many of his family
members, and we’re in touch regularly.
I don’t know that I can accurately explain
why I felt compelled to donate my kidney.
It just always felt like the right thing to do,
I suppose like a calling. I never had any
doubts that I was supposed to be doing it,
I was never scared (even though it was my
first surgery and first stay in a hospital) and I
didn’t have any regrets. I know not everyone
would be able to do this, but I do believe
everyone can find their own calling when it
comes to serving others.
What is the significance of this tattoo?
On the inside of my left forearm is a tattoo
of a shooting star. It began as a Christmas
gift coupon for me from Missy and Jana, the
sisters of Mia, our amazing middle daughter.
Mia had passed away on June 8 of that year,
at age 47, from complications of early onset
Alzheimer’s Disease.
It would be accurate to describe Mia
as a “blazing star.” Mia’s energy and
determination to make the most of every day
of her life was an inspiration to all who knew
her. Mia’s diagnosis of Down syndrome
never defined her; she was defined by her
enthusiasm for life, her loyalty and affection
for family and friends, and her sense of fun.
Mia became nationally known for her role in
self-advocacy civil rights. She was recognized
as a talented writer and became an indemand public speaker.
Mia’s mother, Carol, and I moved to Des
Moines after Mia’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis,
to provide support when needed through
this tender part of her life’s journey. We
three soon discovered Plymouth Church.
Plymouth quickly became central to our lives.
Yes, we were “drawn by the music, and stayed
for much more!”
If you met Mia at church, she likely shared
with you, “My dad sings in the choir!” Now,
when I hold my Chancel Choir music, I
sometimes catch a glimpse of my left forearm.
I see Mia’s shooting star….and I smile.
Karen Downing has been a Plymouth member for over 50 years.
She is a retired teacher from Valley High School and is working with CultureALL’s
Open Book program. You can reach her at downingk4465@gmail.com.
