Kara Keough Bosworth Pays Tribute to Late Son McCoy by Getting a Tattoo Made With His Ashes

(Charles Sykes/Bravo/Nbcu Photo Bank Via Getty Images)

Kara Keough Bosworth is memorializing her late baby boy with a permanent tribute. The Real Housewives of Orange County alum got a tattoo honoring her son, McCoy, two months after he died due to complications during childbirth.

Kara's baby -- her second with husband Kyle Bosworth -- died on April 12, just six days after she gave birth. On Sunday, Kara took to Instagram to share a snapshot of her new tattoo, which used ink that was infused with McCoy's ashes.

Recommended Videos



In the photo, Kara is cradling a stuffed bear that she explained "weighs exactly 11 pounds and 4 ounces," which she previously revealed was how much McCoy weighed when he was born. According to Kara, it is "exactly the size of the hole in my heart."

"But thanks to this thoughtful gift, my arms don’t feel so painfully empty," she continued. "I can’t quite articulate how much carrying the exact weight of McCoy against my body grounds me. I think my physical need for him will be there forever, the heaviness of his absence always present. But this sure helps."

Kara also showed off her "M" tattoo, which she said she got to honor her son's memory.

"Also feeling thankful for my new (first) tattoo, with my son’s ashes in the ink... so that my baby can be with me always," she wrote. "He can stay forever in my arms this way, in the place he last rested."

View this post on Instagram

This bear weighs exactly 11 pounds and 4 ounces. Exactly the size of the hole in my heart. But thanks to this thoughtful gift, my arms don’t feel so painfully empty. I can’t quite articulate how much carrying the exact weight of McCoy against my body grounds me. I think my physical need for him will be there forever, the heaviness of his absence always present. But this sure helps. Thank you @kylieraedesigns for this big dude and thank you @mb_jackets for the custom ribbon. Also feeling thankful for my new (first) tattoo, with my son’s ashes in the ink... so that my baby can be with me always. He can stay forever in my arms this way, in the place he last rested. I know I’m privileged in my grief, to have the support of so many. It’s very hard to feel lucky right now, and yet, somehow, I know I am. That being said, I’m very much ready for the dick kicks to stop. To the poor Shipt shopper who remarked “the baby should have been born by now, right?” and the shocked insurance agent, and the others who didn’t mean to throw the grenades they did... when I say “It’s okay,” I don’t mean “I’m okay,” I’m saying I know you didn’t know. But I promise, you’re not upsetting me by “reminding” me, I’ll never need a reminder. I’m just sad that the answer to your question isn’t what I hoped it would be. It should be a joyful Q&A, not a landmine. It should be different. Instead, here I am, clutching a stuffed toy wishing it was a real boy. To my Instead Mamas, I thank you especially for all the continued comfort, encouragement, and love. And you’re right, it is getting easier to bear. (Look! I even did a pun. Good for me.)

A post shared by Kara Bosworth (@karakeoughboz) on

"I know I’m privileged in my grief, to have the support of so many. It’s very hard to feel lucky right now, and yet, somehow, I know I am," she continued. "That being said, I’m very much ready for the dick kicks to stop."

Kara went on to explain that she's had numerous encounters with well-wishers who were unaware of what happened, and questions about her son have led to awkward and emotionally difficult conversations.

"I promise, you’re not upsetting me by 'reminding' me, I’ll never need a reminder. I’m just sad that the answer to your question isn’t what I hoped it would be. It should be a joyful Q&A, not a landmine. It should be different," she wrote. "Instead, here I am, clutching a stuffed toy wishing it was a real boy."

Kara -- who also shares a 4-year-old daughter, Decker, with her husband -- revealed details regarding her son's death back in April.

"Weighing in at 11 pounds and 4 ounces and spanning 21 inches, McCoy surprised us all with his size and strength (and overall perfection)," she wrote in an Instagram post. 

"During the course of his birth, he experienced shoulder dystocia and a compressed umbilical cord," she continued. "He joined our Heavenly Father and will live forever in the hearts of his loving parents, his adoring sister, and those that received his life-saving gifts."

RELATED CONTENT:

'RHOC’ Star Kara Keough Bosworth Talks Regret and ‘Waves of Grief’ After Losing Her Newborn Son

'RHOC' Alum Kara Keough Posts Photo of Her Late Newborn Son in Heartbreaking Tribute

Kara Keough Mourns Death of Father Matt Weeks After Son Died in Childbirth

‘RHOC’ Alum Kara Keough Brings Home Newborn Son’s Ashes After His Tragic Death