Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder characterized by the loss of memory and other bodily functions, affects 6 million people a year in the US. But it’s more than just the patients who have to live with the effects of Alzheimer’s.
The family members who witness their loved ones struggling to remember and losing pieces of their personality are also deeply affected. One young woman dealing with her father’s recent diagnosis came up with a beautiful way to help her dad remember their bond.
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Isabel designed the tattoo herself.
Isabel shared the moment on her TikTok page of when she showed her dad the tattoo. And with 18 million views, it’s warmed the hearts of many. In the video, Isabel smiles from ear to ear as she waits to reveal the new ink to her father. “I got a tattoo and it’s actually for you,” Isabel begins. “I designed it a couple of months ago when I was at school and I’ve really wanted to get it. I hope that mom can get a matching version.”
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Her father's laughter turns to tears as he learns the meaning behind the symbols.
Lifting her hand to reveal the art, Isabel explains the symbolism. “It’s your birth year, ’52. And it’s two waves. One’s me and one’s you. Do you know why?” she asks her father. “I like waves,” her father guesses. Isabel continues, “It’s because we went sailing and you taught me how to sail. That’s my favorite memory with you.” Isabel’s dad seems to be laughing and crying simultaneously.
'Every day you see me, it will always remind you of us,' Isabel said.
She tells her father she had the tattoo placed on her arm so it would never fade and so her dad would always remember her. “Every day you see me, it will always remind you of us. And the memories you helped make with me,” she says.
Fully crying, her father hugs her and says, “I love you so much.”
Others with family members with Alzheimer's offered words of encouragement to Isabel.
As the seventh leading cause of death in the US, according to the National Institutes of Health, there were plenty of people in Isabel’s comments who could relate to having a family member fight Alzheimer’s.
“Just lost my mom to dementia after an 8 year long battle,” one user shared.
“Take all these special moments in," wrote another. "Sending you big hugs ."
“My dad got early onset at 50,” someone else wrote. “I’m with you .”
