Some people get tattoos for the heck of it. Some people get tattoos because they are pretty, or to remind themselves of their favorite show or song. But some people get tattoos for really personal reasons, with meanings so deep it almost feels like you're intruding on their privacy when you look at them.
The people below have shared their stories and the meanings behind their tattoos, and there's no denying how amazing each one is.
Her mom would leave Post-It notes around the house for her, and I think this looks like an exact copy.
This is such a nice way to remember someone, and it's different than getting a full portrait of them.
His son died of sudden infant death syndrome. What a beautiful way to hold the memory of his little boy's laugh.
He died before she was born, but in school she picked All the Pretty Horses to read and her mom passed along her father's copy, which was bookmarked to page 128.
Now his dad will always be with him, holding him and patting him on the back.
"Got my first tattoo today. The big brick is to represent my big brother who died one day shy of his 40th birthday this year, in his favorite color, and the little one (hugging the larger one) represents me, in my favorite color. We always built LEGO together."
They got a tattoo of a note their dad wrote in their second grade yearbook. He was proud of you back then and is still proud today.
A propane leak caused the house to catch on fire, and he lost his parents and German Shepherd in it.
This is such a great way to stay motivated and remind yourself of how far you've come and how far you can go.
He had dreams of becoming a race car driver and his friend got this to commemorate his memory.
They were in love, went to prom together, and even had a fake wedding to show their commitment to their friendship. "She'll live on in my heart forever, rest in peace sweetheart."
Some stories aren't just worth retelling, but worth carrying on our skin forever.
This woman's friend was killed, so she decided to honor her memory with this tattoo that features part of a note from her friend. What a beautiful tribute.
This tattoo was done to honor a friend who passed away. Even though their friend is gone, I'm sure looking at this tattoo will remind them of fun times they shared together.
This PTSD tattoo is an important reminder about this person's journey and their past self-harm issues. Sometimes tattoos can be a part of the healing process.
This person got a tattoo of their dad's signature nearly 10 years after he passed away. Now, they'll have a way to carry his memory on forever.
This woman had a tattoo of her son, who was born with a cleft palate, inked on her arm.
This person's tattoo is an homage to sobriety, mental health, and happiness.
"This tattoo has a lot of meaning for me. Overcoming alcoholism and getting away from abusive relationships and moving forward with my life for the better."
This couple had the coordinates of their first date tattooed on their forearms.
This person made sure their mom knew just how special she was.
This tattoo serves as an important reminder to the recipient, and it's in her mom's handwriting.
For this woman's first tattoo, she asked her 1-and-a-half-year-old sister to draw her a heart.
Here's a daily reminder for this woman that her dad is pretty great.
This woman had the word "inspire(d)" tattooed on her arm in her grandmother's handwriting.
"A line from a letter my mom wrote me. I saved it because it’s so perfectly her. Now I have her handwriting with me forever," said this Reddit user.
These cherry blossoms were expertly designed over the symbol for the serotonin, the neurotransmitter for feelings of happiness and joy.
Not all meaningful tattoos have a sad story behind them. This parent was simply inspired by their kid's art.
"A text from my friend that passed away, supposed to remind me to check in on people no matter what. He was struggling with his own issues but was always asking me how I was doing... such an incredible and selfless person," said Reddit user gotanyants.
After going through some mental health issues, this person got a tattoo of their cat for helping them through a difficult time.
Sadly, this father lost his son and decided to get this fishing tattoo to honor his memory. Such a touching reminder.
"Finally loving my body," said Reddit user NiNaNo95 of this tattoo, which shows a needle and thread design over scarred skin.
This Reddit user's tattoo is based off their great-grandmother's house where three generations of their family were born and raised.
