Grandma GennaSue gets tattoo for 80th birthday in Victorville
GennaSue Longshore celebrated her 80th birthday by getting her first tattoo at a shop in Victorville
“It was now or never,” said Longshore, a native of Tennessee, and longtime resident of the High Desert. “I had always wanted one, and I couldn’t think of a reason not to.”
Body art practitioner Mike DeMasi of Art Junkies Tattoo Studio in Victorville had the honor of creating a purple butterfly on Longshore’s right arm, just below the wrist.
Longshore admitted that the tattoo procedure stung her a little, but overall she was surprised and thought, “Gee, this is no problem at all.”
Longshore, who lives in Victorville, told the Daily Press she chose the winged insect design because, from a child, she’s always loved butterflies and would chase them as a little girl.
GennaSue’s youngest granddaughter, Naomi, and daughter-in-law, Renee Longshore, of Apple Valley, accompanied her to the tattoo parlor a few days after her birthday.
DeMasi’s daughter was one of Naomi’s best friends in elementary school, according to her parents, Paul and Renee Longshore.
A lover of butterflies
GennaSue’s family said she’s talked about getting a tattoo for years, only making her dream come true as she turned 80.
“Getting a butterfly tattoo is something she has talked about my entire life,” said Genna’s youngest daughter, Audrey Longshore of Hesperia. “She grew up in a time when it wasn’t as accepted as it is today and so it took her a long time to go through with it.”
GennaSue’s oldest daughter, Virginia Jones of Spring Valley Lake, shared that her mom has wanted a butterfly tattoo forever and the two were supposed to get matching ones after her father, David, died.
“I’m happy she finally got what she wanted,” Jones said.
“GennaSue said she wanted a butterfly tattoo over a year ago. Then she kept asking,” Renee Longshore said. “For me, it wasn’t a matter of if but when. I wanted to respect the decision she made.”
‘Hardcore’ grandma
After DeMasi completed the tattoo, granddaughter Naomi thought her grandmother “was hardcore.”
Paul Longshore said his desire to live an adventurous lifestyle came from his mother.
“I am glad that even at age 80, she still has the itch for new things in life,” he said.
When asked if her recent tattoo was her last GennaSue laughed and said, “Maybe more butterflies. Different colors.”
Older people and tattoos
In a Woman’s World interview, Laura Martinez, co-owner of Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn, New York, stated that for older people wanting to get a tattoo, age doesn’t matter.
“It is more about knowing yourself enough to make sure this is something you are ready for,” she said. “It is going to be on your skin forever, so you need to be attached to the design enough and proud to have your skin be permanently ornamented.”
An article about seniors getting tattoos, shared by Brookdale Senior Living, said people need to understand that older skin is functionally different from skin at age 20.
“As skin matures, its surface layer, the dermis, begins to thin. Moreover, aging skin is slower to heal,” the article stated. “These two factors, lessened elasticity and slower healing, can potentially complicate the tattooing process.”
The Mayo Clinic advises anyone wanting to get a tattoo to think carefully about the decision. Don't allow yourself to be pressured and don't get a tattoo if you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
People should understand the risks of getting a tattoo, which include allergic reactions, skin infections, bloodborne diseases, or complications, the clinic said.
Tattoo seekers should also use certified and reputable body art practitioners.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Grandma GennaSue gets tattoo for 80th birthday in Victorville
