My Son's Mother Died and Now People Tell Me My Only Child Should Be Taken Away from Me Because of How I Look

• A Canadian man has faced fierce criticism online for his radical body transformation.
• His entire body is covered in black ink and tattoos, but he didn't always look that way.
• The father of one saw his life change forever after his son's mother died.

Our personal choices shape how we appear to the world. Tattoos, once niche, have gained widespread popularity, leading many to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and vibrant hues. Despite the boldness of this choice, people often face criticism for their tattooed appearances. The individual in our story today encountered a similar situation, highlighting the challenges of expressing oneself through body art.

In the annals of body modification, Remy, a Canadian father, stands out as an extraordinary example. He had once transformed his body into a striking canvas of black ink, with tattoos covering every inch. Not just limited to standard designs, Remy boasted unique inkings, including a massive mouth with teeth gracing his stomach.

What Did Remy Look Like in the Past?

Remy's ears and bottom lip, too, underwent significant stretching, rendering them into unconventional shapes reminiscent of Swiss cheese. However, this striking appearance is a far cry from his initial state.

The duo has experienced both joys and challenges, as shared by Remy in a heartfelt Instagram post on April 22, 2022.

Before undergoing this extreme transformation, Remy was an entirely different person. He was a man with minimal ink, only adorning his chin and a few piercings. His beach-blonde hair framed a gentle smile in his old pictures, a stark contrast to his current bold aesthetic.

Over the years, Remy's transformation didn't stop at tattoos. He became a connoisseur of body modification, spending a staggering £87,000 (over $100,000) on various piercings and tattoos. Today, he is recognized for his shaved or cropped dark hair, black-framed glasses, and physique that bears witness to his remarkable journey of self-expression.

A Devoted Father

In addition to his passion for body art and tattoos, Remy is a loving dad to his son, Ivan. Over the years, the bond between the father and son has deepened, evident in the numerous photographs Remy shares on his social media platform.

The duo has experienced both joys and challenges, as shared by Remy in a heartfelt Instagram post on April 22, 2022. In the touching picture, Remy embraces his son, who is dressed in a purple hoodie, highlighting the warmth of their relationship.

"Six years ago our lives changed forever. After my [son's] mother passed away from stomach cancer I became the only parent of my son, and my role in his life took on a whole new level of importance," Remy reflected.

"It was the hardest thing I've ever done to tell my son his mother was gone, and it's a pain we will both live with forever in the aftermath. Our bond however has never been stronger, and I cherish each day we get together. You never know how many more you have left," the devoted father concluded.

Despite having a significant amount of tattoos, Remy doesn't feel guilty about his body art. He firmly believes that these tattoos haven't altered his identity as a person or as a father. He confidently states that tattoos and piercings haven't changed anything about him, so he never feared that his son would perceive him differently.

Remy has acknowledged that despite his affection for his tattooed appearance, it often makes people uneasy, with some even suggesting that his 14-year-old son, Ivan, should be taken away from him. The Canadian man has faced intense social media backlash, with some individuals questioning his suitability as a father.

"I've had a few people say things like my son should be taken from me because of how I look but this is only ever online. My argument to that would be that if you think that way, you should never have children yourself," Remy revealed. "People stare a bit [in public] but they only say nice things and ask how long it took, how I handle the pain and generally compliment my work," he added.

How Does Ivan Feel about His Father's Appearance?

Having initially inked his son's name, Remy developed a deep passion for tattoos, with his most painful ink to date located on the inside of his buttocks. He expressed that he never worried about his son's reaction, emphasizing that tattoos and piercings haven't altered anything substantial.

According to him, his son didn't pay much attention to the tattoos because Remy had a distinctive look even before his son was born in 2009, making it a norm for him. As his son grew older, he became remarkably nonchalant, fostering tolerance for people with different appearances. Remy noted that his son particularly liked the eye tattoo on his stomach and chest.

Remy's wife, Sarah, also admired her husband's unique appearance, and their romantic connection blossomed when they first met in 2016. With two decades of experience as a cook, managing his own kitchen and tattoo shop, Remy became a recognizable figure in their small town.

He mentioned that Ivan's friends were excited to meet him because of his tattoos, considering him a local celebrity. Remy speculated that Ivan might opt for tattoos in the future, although he believed his son wouldn't get as many as he did.

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think it's wrong to question someone's suitability as a parent based on their appearance? Click here to read another article about a grandmother who was called "mad" for getting her first tattoo at 91. Surprisingly, her great-grandkids had the same ink.