Daughter Gets Special Tattoo for Her Dad With Alzheimer’s to Remember Her

Screenshots of video showing a daughter presenting her Alzheimer's tattoo following her dad's diagnosis

Photo: Screenshot from Reddit

Tattoos can carry an immense amount of significance. Some people get them to commemorate a particular event, and others get one in honor of a person they love. Now, a particular design not only does both, but also serves an important purpose. In a TikTok that has gone viral, a woman named Isabel reveals her brand new tattoo to her dad. The inspiration behind it? He has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and Isabel hopes the tattoo will help him remember her—and even things about himself.

“So, I got a tattoo, and it's actually for you,” Isabel says in the beginning of the video. The woman reveals that she designed it at school a couple months ago, and that she hopes her mom will get a matching one. Isabel then explains each detail to her dad—the “'52” stands for her dad's birth year, 1952. “And it's two waves, one's me, and one's you.”

While the dad doesn't know the meaning when asked by Isabel, she explains that it was inspired by a time they went sailing, and he taught her how to sail. “Ever since then it's been my favorite memory with you,” she exclaims. “And I had it on my arm 'cause it'll never fade and you'll always remember it, and every day you see it, it will always remind you of us.”

The dad looks deeply touched, and they share a tearful embrace. “Thank you so much!” the father can be heard saying.

The video has moved many who have watched it, especially those who have been through a similar situation. “Never stop recording memories with your dad,” one TikToker commented, sharing that her dad was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's and now cherishes those moments. Isabel replied that she has started working on that, particularly since she misses a lot while she's away at school.

As sweet as the moment is, the clip is also a heartbreaking reminder that Alzheimer's is not only difficult for the person going through it, but for their next of kin. In the end, it's also an inspiring reminder of the lengths families will go to for their loved ones. Whether displaying their appreciation in gestures like this, or treating them with extra care and patience, those who sadly go through this are heroes who keep the beacon of hope shining bright in the face of adversity.