Bert Edlin isn’t quite sure what TikTok is, but he knows he’s now “TikTok famous!” At 95 years old, Burt’s making waves online thanks to his turn as a “flower grandpa” at his granddaughter’s wedding. Bert was by Rachel Powell’s side on her big day, strewing petals from a basket just as well as any flower girl could. His sprightly appearance at the wedding is especially amazing considering he nearly died not long ago.
Sixteen months before the wedding, Bert suffered a terrible fall. He needed resuscitation and had a tracheotomy, and his prognosis was grim.
“Doctors told us recovery was slim and even if he did recover, he wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, or eat again,” Rachel wrote on Instagram. “In the period of time where he couldn’t talk, he handed me a piece of paper with a note that said ‘I will make it to your wedding.’”
Bert spent more than a year working hard in rehab and therapy, and his determination paid off! Rachel shared a video of Bert fulfilling his promise on TikTok and Instagram, and he became a viral sensation.
Move over, flower girls! There’s a wonderful new trend happening, and this inspirational grandpa is right at the center of it.