THE TATTOO DEBATE

Susan, your opinion about tattoos should remain just that: an opinion (YOU Say, 24 February). It’s a typical Boomer response to judge the choices made by others that have no impact on your world whatsoever.

Tattoos are a deeply personal choice, and much thought is given to their symbolism. Cultures around the world have been doing it since the dawn of time.

I got my first tattoo at 42. It symbolises a new beginning after 20 years in an abusive relationship. Let it sag and wrinkle if it must. MY BODY, MY CHOICE, EMAIL

I agree with Susan. For years I have been asking why? Why do this to your body when you were born with beautiful, pure skin?

Do the girls who put tattoos on their bodies realise what harm they are doing? I hate it with a passion. I would never employ anybody who had tattoos. They must give small children nightmares.

And I agree with Susan: what happens when you are 60-plus and the skin goes wrinkly, etc? PAT, EMAIL I had my first tattoo at the age of 62 in remembrance of my eldest son and my brother lost at age 21 in 1995.

My beautiful memory of my son is on the inside of my left arm, near my wrist: his initial, with the initials of my daughter and younger son, a crescent moon, containing a cat with dragonfly wings underneath four paw prints and a small feather.

Each and every tat has a meaning for me: my beloved children, all animals I respect and love so much and the signs I so often receive that my departed loved ones are with me always. My tattoo will never fade or become something ugly and I am eight years away from 80. PROUD TATTOO GRANNY MARIA, EMAIL