Thanks for the suggestion, i quite like the idea of the symbols.

the original design i was thinking about would have the initials of my family, but they would be hidden into the overall tattoo, so that from a distance you would not see them until you got up close. Here is the original tattoo which gave me the idea:

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this is not the best picture but if you look closely you can see the initals in the lifeline

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anymore hint, tips or suggestions are welcome!