Grandma, 87, Says 'Life Is Too Short to Play It Safe,' So She and Granddaughter Get Matching Tattoos (Exclusive)
Abby Griffin shared a viral video on TikTok of her getting matching hummingbird tattoos with her grandma Elaine Jaecks
"As she's gotten older, I started feeling like this would be a beautiful way to commemorate her," she tells PEOPLE exclusively
The video of the "special moment" has gained over 1.3 million views on the platformA woman went viral on TikTok for getting matching tattoos with her grandma.
Abby Griffin, owner of Wren and Rose Photography, shared a video on TikTok of her getting matching hummingbird tattoos with her grandma Elaine Jaecks. The video of the "special moment" has gained over 1.3 million views on the platform.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE about their shared ink, the granddaughter, 31, says they've "joked about it for years."
"She's always had this fun, bold and spunky streak that keeps everyone on their toes," Griffin says of her 87-year-old grandma. "As she's gotten older, I started feeling like this would be a beautiful way to commemorate her, her fire, her boldness and her commitment to always being unapologetically herself."
The pair planned the outing a few weeks in advance and "made a whole day of it," even bringing along Griffin's aunt to also get the matching tattoo.
The video shows Jaecks getting tattooed at Silver Lining Tattoo in Geneva, Ill. While getting inked, Jaecks flashes the camera a thumbs-up. She is then shown checking out her new arm tattoo in a mirror with a pleased expression on her face.
"This is your sign to get a matching tattoo with your grandma," the text on the video reads.
In the caption, Griffin sweetly wrote, "I have the coolest grandma in the world. Such a special moment getting to get a matching tattoo with her. She's my heart & soul."
On the big day, Griffin recalls her and her grandma feeling "a little nervous at first." However, those feelings were outweighed by their excitement and sentimental emotions.
"My sister couldn't be there that day, but she's planning to get the same hummingbird soon so she can be part of it too. What started as a simple idea turned into this incredibly special multi-generational experience, something we'll all remember forever," she says.
"There was such a beautiful energy in the room, lots of giggles and having fun, but there were also these sweet quiet moments where we all kind of sat in the weight of how special it was," the granddaughter adds.
Their tattoo artist, Pedro, brought the experience to the next level. "He was so kind, patient and genuinely invested in making it a memorable experience for all of us, especially for my grandma," Griffin shares, adding that the two exchanged stories about their lives at one point.
"He told us my grandma was the oldest client he's ever tattooed, and you could tell it really meant something to him. He treated her with such care and respect," she added.
As for their choice of tattoo, Griffin says, "My grandma has always loved gardening and being outside; she lights up when she sees hummingbirds zipping around her backyard. But beyond just being her favorite, the hummingbird felt symbolic for her."
https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf
She adds that, like her grandma, the birds are "known for their boldness, resilience and fierce independence."
The hummingbird tattoo was Jaecks' second tattoo, according to her granddaughter, who says she was "an absolute rock star" during the process. "She didn't even flinch and afterward just shrugged and said, 'That wasn't bad at all!' "
The two, Griffin says, have always had a special bond. "She helped raise me, and I truly feel like so much of who I am is because of her," she shares. "She's spunky, strong, wildly supportive, a total badass woman who's never been afraid to speak her mind or live life on her own terms."
The Chicago-based photographer adds that her grandma's "whole outlook is about living boldly and staying true to who you are."
"She's never tried to be anyone but herself, and she encourages everyone around her to do the same. To her, life is too short to play it safe or follow the crowd, you've got to do the things that light you up, whether that's gardening, going on an adventure, or getting a tattoo at 87," she says.
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With two tattoos down, Jaecks is ready for more.
"She's already talking about getting her next tattoo! She's always up for an adventure, but with her, even the simplest moments turn into something unforgettable," Griffin says.
Read the original article on People
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