Last year while Dave was getting his tattoo, I was planning to revise mine. We both had designed our family crests years ago and both had them tattooed in the middle of our backs. It is the Coat of Arms from all of our nationalities put together. Dave was helping me with a few ideas to incorporate the crest and it began to take shape. It wasn’t long after that he passed that I decided to keep the same basic idea, but create more of a memorial to him. I wanted it to tell his story so I’ll explain. It, of course, is the Utah backdrop. Although that’s where Dave died, my mother told me that once he had gotten to Utah he called her and said “I like what I’m seein”, so I know that it was his kind of place.
The symbols within the tattoo tell the story.
-The sun represents what ultimately took his life.
-The green bushes growing out of the rock represent the sage bushes that were all around him where he died.
-The waterfalls down either side represent the water he was denied.
-The river below the crest represents the finish line he fought so hard to cross.
-The drips that form where the two waterfalls meet represent the constant flow of tears that have continued to fall ever since by all who loved him.
The banner below the crest had been empty for years because we never knew what to put in it. I never thought it would be filled with his initials along with the dates of his birth and death.
I’m very happy with how my tattoo turned out and believe it does tell the story, but the story is not over yet. There is so much more that has to happen before there is any closure. So although I’m happy so far, there may be more revisions in the future to finish his story.
Thanks for caring
-Rob
Rob-
I have read almost everything so far on Dave’s memorial website. I went to it after reading news stories. I’m from Pekin, Illinois. I have been nonstop crying. I can’t imagine what you and the rest of your family are enduring. I’m angry that BOSS kept water from him just because he was 100 yards out but really he had water in reach the whole time. And what is the point of “emergency” water if they’re not going to use it for emergencies! Plus a camper said Dave needed it hours before. I’m sorry for ranting. I couldn’t find if charges were finally brought against the school for neglect. I was hoping they were in some kind of trouble. Rob, if you ever have time, I’d like to know if the school is being punished. Well, your tattoo is one of the neatest I’ve ever seen. I don’t have any. I’m a preppy girl. But I wanted to tell you how much I liked it. It’s beautiful!
Hey, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I was really outraged at the story. He seemed like a really cool guy. Your tattoo is a beautiful work of art. Your family is in my prayers. I know how hard it is to lose a closse family member.
Take care,
Sara
I’m sorry to hear about your brother–it was a tragic and avoided death. There is no excuse for him dying in the way that he did. I’m very angry that the negligence of the personnel at BOSS killed your brother. The course that your brother was on was only for educational purposes–it was not a real life or death situation.
I hope that your family can take legal action against BOSS to prevent them from causing any more grief to others.
I read about your wonderful brother today after reading an article in the SF chronicle. I feel outraged that the so-called guides did not give him water. Any caring human being would have given him water regardless of the situation. There is no excuse, no matter what kind of “waiver” he signed. What was wrong with those people? I am so sorry about your loss. Dave was obviously a beautiful person and this should not have happend to him. BOSS should be punished in some way for sure. I hope you can do something legally to get some kind of closure. Eventhough I did not know Dave I have cried a lot of tears for him and for his family.
Be strong.
I laughed at your mom’s post about how she never really understood why people get tattoos. I’m a mom and I kind of never “got” it either….until now. I read all about the meaning of your tattoos and I love it. I really love it. I also completely think that your family is very smart for how you are dealing with all of this. You are teaching all of us something about life, death, grief. I think Dave’s life has been given a greater meaning through what you are all doing. I feel that there is a calling on your family now and that something greater will come of all this than any of us know.
I have been keeping in touch with Dave’s website the past several months. Yesterday I revisited again and read the information written by Rob and Cori in choosing their individual tatoos. The symbolism is bittersweet, and oh so hauntingly beautiful. The words from a loving sister,brother, Mother, describing the steps that led them to choose their individual designs were heartbreaking. Then to read the letter from Jess, Dave’s buddy during the deadly hike, describing Dave’s last hours and the positive experience she had just knowing him for forty-eight hours, brought tears to my eyes. How can these instructors live with themselves after knowing what they did? Witholding water that they carried for an emergency! THis was a matter of life and death! They could have saved him. It makes me so angry and hurt for your family. I had the honor of meeting Dave a few years ago but I spoke with him every time he called the office. Kind patient, his warmth and caring shined through. I will never forget him and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Eileen Lebegue
Dave was my sponsor when I arrived at Offutt AFB. He quickly took me in and really made me feel quite at home there. It is 5may07 and our friend Gabe Mendoza just told me about what happened. I am shocked. I met Rob while he came out to Offutt and his family breifly. I would like to correspond with Rob or anyone else in the family and tell you personally how sorry I am for your loss and to also relate some personal story’s your son/brother and I shared. Along with some stories I can connect you with at least one other guy and maybe more who has some good story’s about Dave. I’ve missed Dave ever since I left Offutt. He was someone I alway’s wanted to stay in contact with. My heart hurts today.
I was stationed with Dave as well in Offutt. May he rest in peace as he always was, at peace with himself. He transended time and understood how to be a loving being when he was around us. The moments we shared at Offutt will stay in my heart and mind forever. He took great pride in his family and wore his crest with pride.
Killer tattoo, the thought behind it is amazing. I am in the process of finalizing the design of my coat of arms to honor my family. Thanks for a great posting.