I'm not sure what to say or if I should say anything at all. But you have become like a member of my family, we welcome you in to our kitchen every evening to watch at least one or two of your videos. I can simpathsize having lost my step-father, my mother and my wife in ten months of each other. I'm sat here now with tears streaming down my face, as I said you are like a family member to us.
My dad finally passed away Monday morning from liver cancer, primarily. And I appreciate your story and for putting it out there. I’m sure that in the end when it’s all said and done we will be blown away by all the opportunities we’ve been given in those bad times for them to be used for good. That verse in Roman’s is what popped in my head when he first got sick. We don’t always see the short or long term opportunities presented to us in difficult moments but they are most certainly there. Trust in god. And all else will work out for you, in the end. Sometimes death is the ultimate healing. Shalom.
I am not a religious person, from an entirely different country and generation to you, but I have grown to love your channel over the past year and especially these very personal videos on VTHextra. It's incredibly powerful and inspiring to hear you talk about these experiences in your life. The story of your grandparents, to me at least, embodies everything good and great that being a Christian, American, parent and or human being is and should be. A sign that good people still prevail. The fact that you had to grow up with such traumatic experiences and have managed to become such a dedicated father is an amazing testament to both your grandparents and yourself. Thank you for sharing and I hope that your grandparents are having a great time back together. From Liverpool, England btw:)
Well done and said with so much love. After watching your Father-Video from years ago, I hoped you find peace in God. Now I see, you have already found him. See you soon, brother in the Lord.
My wife has a very similar experience and was raised by her grandmother and grandfather. Her mom was also 17 when she had her. I know it can be very hard to share but thank you for doing so VTH. Thank God for Grandparents.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forward". Soren Kierkegaard This saying has always been one of my favorites as well as Romans 8:28. I've had one of those lives as well. So many things that have happened. But I can look back and see God's Hand in it all.... ❤
I can relate a lot to this being raised by my grandparents since I was 12 my grandpa just passed in January they also fostered my interest in history and I will forever be grateful for that
Thanks for being willing to share personal stories like this with us. I've had some serious struggles with my faith in the last few years, and your willingness to share your faith has encouraged me at times.
That story was amazing, even moreso because of the results of what your grandparents did. You are one of my favourite UA-camrs, not just because the history content is so valuable, but because you're such an approachable, kind, unpretentious teacher of that history. I always feel not just more informed, but better as a person after watching a video of yours.
What a great Gospel message brother! Sometimes we face the hardest of circumstances only to find out that God had something so much greater on the other side of it. Thanks for sharing and thanks for doing so in such a vulnerable manner.
I really find a lot of peace and hope when you talk about your personal story and the people who helped you become the man you are today. Definitely shed a few tears. Thank you for sharing as always, Chris.
I can feel the love and admiration that you have for your grandparents. I'm sure you know every day how fortunate you were to have them as parents. Keep up the good work, and I hope you got my email!
I had a rocky childhood as well. Not the same as you, but history became my outlet for escape. It helped me cope with everything that I was having to deal with in home life. I remember at eight years old I was reading books on the Civil War & WWII. It was a place I could go and just put myself in another place and time. My grandparents also pretty much raised me and they fostered that. I have spent my whole life working towards a goal of helping teach history through film and doing what I love. It all stemmed from escaping to a book about Gettysburg to help take me out the element of what was going on. Thanks for sharing your story. It was something I needed to hear. Thanks for all you do man. You are appreciated and looked up to.
I am so so thankful for you Chris. For your history lessons and just being a generally amazing guy, it takes a tough guy to share this sort of stuff. I love the fact that you tie in a gospel message to this, even though you wouldn't be considered a "Christian" channel. This is exactly the sort of stuff that we as Christians need to be doing, we need to be honest and open when spreading the gospel. I'd love to give you a hug but given both the screen and the Atlantic Ocean in my way, I don't think that's possible. God bless you man, you are literally one of the coolest people I've ever known, even though I've never even met you :)
These personal videos are some of your best work, Chris, at least for me. I always tear up listening to you talk about the close relationship you’ve had with your grandparents. I’d love to see a video where you talk about your flaws and weaknesses and think it would help many, including me, to work out our own shortcomings. God Bless you and your family.
I am just a young man interested in history and have been watching you for at least 1-2 years now I love what you do and this story really touched my when I was ten I lost my father who was the one who got me into history. You’ve always reminded me of him so thank you for all the time you put in to making these videos bc it almost feels like more time I get to spend with him.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story. It reminds me some of my own upbringing. My parents divorced when I was 7, and it was a bitter time. I didn't learn much in the way of managing conflict by running away to my books while they screamed at each other outside, but they had bought me this giant book of dinosaurs, basically an encyclopedia, and I burned each page of this giant, fat book into my brain. My dad in particular bought me any book that I wanted at the school book fairs through the years after and encouraged my interests in history, and nature, and eventually other cultures. A remarkably curious man for one raised on a farm 15 miles outside Dyersville, Iowa. I wish I'd had experiences like yours reaffirming your faith. It's incredible what kind, good natured conviction in a higher purpose can bring. I would prefer to still have that. But, when we laid my dad to rest just under 10 years ago, at the church his parents still attended, after diabetes claimed him... I sat closest to both the priest conducting the service as well as the casket. And, about 20 seconds before he's ready to begin the service, the priest leans over to me, and asks me "My apologies, but what was his first name again?" It's a miracle I didn't assault that elderly man on the spot, my only restraint being my paternal grandparents still coping with the loss of their son just next to me. Something in me broke that day. 60 years of trying to be a good catholic, a good and honorable man, who raised me mostly by himself, and his reward was a funeral service conducted by a man who either couldn't be bothered to remember the name of the man he was putting to rest or was unable to do so entirely. Never really got over that.
Thank you for sharing this story. I wasn't raised by my maternal grandparents, but we basically lived with them until just before I started kindergarten. They had a profound effect on my life at that young stage. We were quite close.
Awesome sharing of personal experience. I am 50 and estranged from my mother due to a lot of nonsense. I feel abandoned some times even as a middle aged man. I can't begin to understand how hard it would be for s youngster. Their greatest gift to you was a godly legacy.
As someone in their early 20s right now, I too have found a new appreciation in faith as a Catholic (I believe you've said you are non-denominational). Though, like many young adults my age, I don't follow every rule to a T and don't go to Church much at all. If I get to start a family, I do plan to make Church going a regular thing but I do my own personal prayers here and there. Just wanted to let out my own story, though not nearly as sad as yours, but for people in my age-group it's a common thing. I had been trying to get with this childhood friend for about a year, and she had shown previous interest in the past so I went for it. Long story short, we did lots of back and forth "will she won't she" type stuff and it got to a point where I was sick of it and wondered if all this effort I was putting in was worth it. So, I wrote in this journal I had gotten a couple of months ago to write my thoughts down. Within it, I asked God for some sort of sign to see if this girl was meant to be my wife, anything at all to make my course of action more clear. No lie, mere hours later that same night we ended up having a long conversation where that answer became clear. I was so thankful, saddened by the outcome, but I haven't forgotten it. Prayer works folks, don't lose faith. You may not be answered every time, but you're always being listened to.
My condolences to your losses when my grandmother died I felt Sad But ultimately I knew that it was her time to go to heaven and then I would need to eventually grow without her it was it was amazing to see your growth as a UA-camr on historian even through the losses you've had through your career so I think I should congratulate you on your success and see your future success on UA-cam
Thank you for sharing your testimony, Chris. My grandpa went home to our savior June 1st. Although he didn't raise me, we were extremely close. Having our faith that we will be together soon and that he is not hurting anymore made saying goodbye and his Passing so much easier. I cannot imagine going through life with no hope of eternity. Breaks my heart for those who don't have that hope.
Thank you for sharing this Chris. I was so happy and honored that I got to meet you in Gettysburg this past weekend. You are an inspiration to many people, and we all appreciate everything you do! I'm sure your grandparents are looking down on you and couldn't be more proud of the man, husband, father, and friend you are.
Chris, Thank you for sharing your personal background, your struggles and your successes. Your grandparents/parents sound like loving/quality people. I have enjoyed not only having the opportunity to get to know you and absorb some of your knowledge of history virtually through your created content as well as your reaction videos. I also had the honor to have met you at Gettysburg a week ago. Sometimes when you see someone from afar (famous athlete or celebrity) then have the opportunity to meet them it isn’t quite what you’ve built that event up to be in your mind. In the case of meeting you, expectations were exceeded. Not only were you very approachable and friendly, you engaged in conversation with my wife and I. You are the genuine article. You appreciate the fame you’ve attained and are thankful for the people that got you there… family, friends and fans. All qualities I’m sure you gained from your grandparents. Thanks again for sharing. ~ Paul
Your last words to your grandfather spoke to me. I was raised by my mother and grandmother. Grandma was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2020 but was so healthy that we thought she had a fighting chance. By September she had deteriorated so fast that we knew she'd be gone soon. On Sunday September 20th, I woke up, went to mass, then went to go visit her at my moms house. Even though her eyes were open ,and she gasped with every breath, she had stopped communicating two nights prior. I went in, told her about the readings and the homily. I prayed a rosary aloud (her name was Maria), I told her I needed to go to my apartment to do HW but that I'd be back in a few hours to be with her. I kissed her on the forehead and said I'd see her soon. She died 45 minutes later. The Epistle reading that day was Phil 1:20 - 24: Brothers and sisters: Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ. Thanks for sharing your story. God Bless you, Chris.
Thanks for sharing. Their impact on you has not only impacted your children, I'm sure, but is also touching the lives of us here in internet land. Thank you for being you for us.
Thank you for sharing this with us Chris, you didn’t have to, but you did. Your grandparents were amazing people and you are a shining example example of that! Thank you sharing, I’m going through a bit of a rough patch right now and this definitely helped a lot❤️
Thank you so much for sharing. You were blessed to have them and now we are all blessed to have you in our lives to share these moments as well as the historical moments. Thank you so much for sharing. A lot of times it’s your videos that get me through some very rough moments and times and I thank you for that
this story was so relatable,i ended up forgiving to my mother and now we have great relationship,give second chance to people it might be great decision,thanks for sharing it,big fan from Serbia
Thanks so so much for sharing this Chris. I needed all this. I never had a real father figure cause my dad was so abusive and did drugs. He left when I was 15 after he beat up my mom. I blamed myself for the incident and went through a depression stage. Too afraid to tell my mom because I thought I would disappoint her. I had a lot of thoughts in my mind that I broke up the family and I was feeling like I was a total freak and shouldn't live anymore. But I went to my teachers who staged an intervention for me because I was depressed and constantly went to the bathroom a lot. They helped me through the depression. My mom did too. Shes the one who made me into the music loving kind person I am today. My love of music comes from her and her father. She was a singer and rebel in the 80s. Her parents were not there for her and she began smoking at 14 and ran away. But shes an influence and an inspiration to me. I never had any male role models in my life, and I feel like the guys I met outside of my family were jerks. So thats why I have a female friend circle. My depression ended a year later, that is until my first job at McDonald's. And COVID is what triggered it. I had managers who were so mean to me that they would feed me insults and harsh words if I ever made a small mistake. I was at McDonald's at the time. And I felt like my nightmare was coming true. That the worlds kindness had disappeared and hate was becoming the new norm. People were angry and took their anger out on a lot of people who had nothing to do with it. And unfortunately I was one of them. And I finally quit my first job because the place had gotten so bad, Managers and customers shouted insults whenever I was making an accidental mistake, and my manager did something so terrible to me (I dont want to say it) My depression came back in the form of reclusiveness. I thought that I had angered a lot of people when I wanted to show my kindness. I felt like I had wronged everyone, including my friends, and I was feeling like a total burden to the world. My friends and my mom and sister assured me I wasnt a burden. And I wouldn't be the kindhearted person without my mom my sister and my best friend Julia and my other friends. I kept moving forward. I found a new job I felt safe at, and I am in a lawsuit against my old job for the harassment that my manager did to me that night. I understand how you felt Chris. My dad leaving us and the hate McDonald's gave me made me feel sad for awhile. But I am ok now.
Chris this was very genuine and heartfelt and I’m glad you’re willing to open up and share it. Thanks for a wonderful message and maybe sometime we should talk. My family has its own crazy one in a million story where Ancestry DNA is involved, but as my email said after the first of those videos where you explain the search for your biological father, my prayers as a fellow Christian go out to you and your family and I hope to continue learning alongside you brother. God bless.
Thank you for sharing. As a fellow believer I look up to you, and hearing your testimony and a little bit about your faith walk is great and glorifying to the Lord. I am so happy to see how the Lord used your grandparents to change your life, God turned a bad thing into a blessing that was shared among several people! As a northern Kentuckian I hope to someday run into ya and have a conversation about faith or history, If not in this life then in the one after. (Maybe do a community event at the Dayton airforce museum? idk random idea 😆)
I hope this doesn’t come off as weird, but Chris, every since I’ve discovered your videos in 2020 I’ve looked up to you like a father figure, you have the strength to be yourself and live in humility which has been so inspiring to not only me but countless others. Keep doing what you’re doing! 😄
This was really nice, I even dropped a tear or two. Your grandparents sound like amazing people. They sound a lot like my grandparents who didnt raise me, but always played and still play a huge role in my life. I try to see them more often, but it is not easy with Uni and me living in a differnt town. (For context I am still quite young at 22.) I feel very inspired hearing you talk about your faith in them and in your religion. I myself was baptized and did all the important stuff thats do to with growing up in the catholic church, but somewhere along the way, I lost my faith. You are the only person that has sometimes given me reason to think. I don`t think I will ever again take active part in the catholic church, but hey who knows, maybe someday I will regain something resembling a faith. I will never regain my faith in the institution that is the catholic church of rome and germany, because of their corruption and evil doings, but my faith in a god, that can maybe survive, perhaps even in a different church. If you would be my pastor with your intelligence, kindness and love for history, I think it would be a lot easier. For now, because I am an ocean away from Germany, part of my religion will be your history videos which I love. You truly are a role model for a young guy like me and I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart. And now, I have to watch the Napoleon trailer for the fifth time today, because I am so incredibly hyped! bye :)
I think having grandparents is one of the perfect relations you have. They love you unconditionally, they don't demand anything in return. Unfortunately I lost 2 of my grandparents (maternal / paternal) when I was 2-3, and lost my paternal grandma when I was 13. I just now have my nana (maternal grandpa) whom I love like noone. And I hope he's their to give my future wife his blessings and also become a great grandparent to my kids. You've been very lucky that you have their love. Yeah, losing parents at such young age is something I cannot contemplate as it never happened with me, but having such grandparents who raised you to such a intellectual person you are is a god given present, and I hope they are in a better place and putting in a good word for you. Maybe also promoting your channel their 😆😆😆😆 (light hearted). Letting Napolean know their is one person who doesn't call him short.🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wow thank you! This was just a amazing video with an amazing massage. I’m not very religious but people like you really show me what a beautiful thing it can be.
Thank you Chris. What a story. I feel that your grandparents were as blessed bringing you and your sister up as you both were by them. We are not, as Christians, promised a trouble free life but we are promised that God walks through everything with us working for our good. Everybody has a story. I am currently struggling with back and leg issues so my mobility is severely restricted. I feel blessed by people like you, JD, Garry and all those who are putting wonderful US history films on the Tube so I can join in with seeing places I cannot get to now. (Also the UK history and WW2 Europe stuff being a Britt!) Keep looking for the gold threads of good God weaves into the tapestry of our lives but don’t forget the dark threads as they make the gold shine out! Keep trusting Chris from Devon uk
for some reason you discussing your parents last days made me think of George w bush and how he lost both his mom and dad in the same year back in 2018. regardless, I think your grandparents gave you something special that nobody could ever take away from you and you'll hold onto that for the rest of your life.
Love all your content Chris, been watching since around 20k subs on the main commentary channel. I love to have your gaming videos as well on my second monitor while i myself play EU4/CK3 or other games. this video made me smile (and shed a tear) because i can tell how much these incridble family members meant to you and i am too grateful for them because thanks to them (and you of course) i get to binge learn about history with your awesome personality at the forefront! as an athiest its a bit weird to say "god bless you" but i somehow feel that it is the right note to end my comment on so god bless you and your family! /Tulle from Sweden
A great testimony. I have raised two grandsons. The youngest is now 16. I hope and pray that my grandsons will think the same about me. Our Father leads us and supports us in all situations. Our faith and belief in our Lord Jesus makes all the difference. Love is the answer and you explained it well. God bless!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. You have definitely made your grandparents proud and I’m certain that they’re smiling upon you right now. Aloha 🤙🏼
Thanks for sharing the story of your grandparents!! They sounded like incredible people!! I’m curious, why did your mom want leave your stepdad with you and your sister? And do you still see him?
Your family story has some similarities to JD Vance’s story-- family roots going back to Kentucky, grandparents moving to Ohio for a better life, being raised by grandparent(s) when your mother could no longer raise you, getting early Christian influences from your grand parents. You are similar ages too.
I believe it very important for people to have an interest and you sir have a very healthy interest in enjoying history. I enjoyed photography which was a time machine to me being a moment in time . Life throws up many challenges and sometimes mysteries that we find hard to understand .My father died of lung cancer though i assume being gassed in WW1 did have an effect as well as being a heavy smoker. They were very different times and another memory was how many crippled men in wheel chairs there were because of WW1 and our next door neighbour had a metal plate in his head from WW1 Respect to my mum who then had to raise four children and times were tough and the strong memory for some reason is of ice forming on the inside of our bedroom window which makes me think of what we have today .
Chris, no one is perfect. I’m sorry for all your recent losses. Your channel means so much to me and so many others. Thank you to the people in your life, past and present who added something to your life to make you the person that you are.
My dad's grandparents raised him and they passed recently my great grandma Gigi passed at 70 on February,1st, 2023 and my great grandpa kaska passed away at 7o on January,1,2023
You are absolutely right. God is good and helps even those terrible things we experience become good in our lives. If we trust Him and seek to follow him, he will help us turn those bad things into good. Thank you for the reminder. ❤
My life has been saved before too when I was two months old I had a severe heart condition that nearly killed me it’s unclear how long I would’ve lived without the surgery because I didn’t die!
Cathartic in the very best way. Mr Mowery - that was brave! Now accept the deserving grace that is coming your way. I'm not a religious person, but respect those who respect others' beliefs? Take care Sir ...
I'm not sure what to say or if I should say anything at all. But you have become like a member of my family, we welcome you in to our kitchen every evening to watch at least one or two of your videos. I can simpathsize having lost my step-father, my mother and my wife in ten months of each other. I'm sat here now with tears streaming down my face, as I said you are like a family member to us.
Chris, you have become one of the most relatable people on earth. My name is also Chris, I’m Christian, I love history, and I love gaming.
In case anyone ever need proof that truly amazing people can come out of very tough situations, this man right here is proof.
Thanks!
I'm glad you were blessed with such great grandparents ❤️
My dad finally passed away Monday morning from liver cancer, primarily. And I appreciate your story and for putting it out there. I’m sure that in the end when it’s all said and done we will be blown away by all the opportunities we’ve been given in those bad times for them to be used for good. That verse in Roman’s is what popped in my head when he first got sick. We don’t always see the short or long term opportunities presented to us in difficult moments but they are most certainly there. Trust in god. And all else will work out for you, in the end. Sometimes death is the ultimate healing. Shalom.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Praying for your comfort.
The fact that you’re willing to share this shows a deep trust for your viewers ❤
I am not a religious person, from an entirely different country and generation to you, but I have grown to love your channel over the past year and especially these very personal videos on VTHextra. It's incredibly powerful and inspiring to hear you talk about these experiences in your life. The story of your grandparents, to me at least, embodies everything good and great that being a Christian, American, parent and or human being is and should be. A sign that good people still prevail. The fact that you had to grow up with such traumatic experiences and have managed to become such a dedicated father is an amazing testament to both your grandparents and yourself. Thank you for sharing and I hope that your grandparents are having a great time back together.
From Liverpool, England btw:)
Not surprised you’re from England
Why aren’t you a religious person?
Well done and said with so much love. After watching your Father-Video from years ago, I hoped you find peace in God. Now I see, you have already found him. See you soon, brother in the Lord.
My wife has a very similar experience and was raised by her grandmother and grandfather. Her mom was also 17 when she had her.
I know it can be very hard to share but thank you for doing so VTH. Thank God for Grandparents.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forward". Soren Kierkegaard This saying has always been one of my favorites as well as Romans 8:28. I've had one of those lives as well. So many things that have happened. But I can look back and see God's Hand in it all.... ❤
They sound like wonderful people, I remember how you've told us how they nurtured your love for history. So glad they were around.
I can relate a lot to this being raised by my grandparents since I was 12 my grandpa just passed in January they also fostered my interest in history and I will forever be grateful for that
Thank you for sharing!
Please talk more about this , it helps so much
Chris, thanks for sharing, our lives are similar in many ways. God Bless you I know this was not easy for you to discuss in a forum such as this.
Thanks for being willing to share personal stories like this with us. I've had some serious struggles with my faith in the last few years, and your willingness to share your faith has encouraged me at times.
6 months late but I am truly touched by your story. Thank you for sharing.
Spoken Like A man of god! Love your stuff brother.
That story was amazing, even moreso because of the results of what your grandparents did.
You are one of my favourite UA-camrs, not just because the history content is so valuable, but because you're such an approachable, kind, unpretentious teacher of that history. I always feel not just more informed, but better as a person after watching a video of yours.
Wow Chris. This video brought me to tears. Life is hard but I know you'll see your grandparents again.
What a great Gospel message brother! Sometimes we face the hardest of circumstances only to find out that God had something so much greater on the other side of it. Thanks for sharing and thanks for doing so in such a vulnerable manner.
I really find a lot of peace and hope when you talk about your personal story and the people who helped you become the man you are today. Definitely shed a few tears. Thank you for sharing as always, Chris.
Thanks for having the courage to share your life and upbringing. Btw, your moustache is avesome!
Knowing you’re loved is the greatest feeling
Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you had great parenting by grandparents :)
Grandparents really do be the best. God bless your grandparents!
Hugs dude my parents and hubby gone!😢
Such a touching and powerful video. Thanks for being so open with us and sharing your inspiring story.
Thank you for sharing this story. What you said at the end of the video really hit me hard
God bless your Grandparents :)
I can feel the love and admiration that you have for your grandparents. I'm sure you know every day how fortunate you were to have them as parents.
Keep up the good work, and I hope you got my email!
I had a rocky childhood as well. Not the same as you, but history became my outlet for escape. It helped me cope with everything that I was having to deal with in home life. I remember at eight years old I was reading books on the Civil War & WWII. It was a place I could go and just put myself in another place and time. My grandparents also pretty much raised me and they fostered that. I have spent my whole life working towards a goal of helping teach history through film and doing what I love. It all stemmed from escaping to a book about Gettysburg to help take me out the element of what was going on. Thanks for sharing your story. It was something I needed to hear. Thanks for all you do man. You are appreciated and looked up to.
I am so sorry you lost them ..i cried while i watch you..meet again in heaven.
I am so so thankful for you Chris. For your history lessons and just being a generally amazing guy, it takes a tough guy to share this sort of stuff. I love the fact that you tie in a gospel message to this, even though you wouldn't be considered a "Christian" channel. This is exactly the sort of stuff that we as Christians need to be doing, we need to be honest and open when spreading the gospel. I'd love to give you a hug but given both the screen and the Atlantic Ocean in my way, I don't think that's possible. God bless you man, you are literally one of the coolest people I've ever known, even though I've never even met you :)
These personal videos are some of your best work, Chris, at least for me. I always tear up listening to you talk about the close relationship you’ve had with your grandparents. I’d love to see a video where you talk about your flaws and weaknesses and think it would help many, including me, to work out our own shortcomings.
God Bless you and your family.
I am just a young man interested in history and have been watching you for at least 1-2 years now I love what you do and this story really touched my when I was ten I lost my father who was the one who got me into history. You’ve always reminded me of him so thank you for all the time you put in to making these videos bc it almost feels like more time I get to spend with him.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story. It reminds me some of my own upbringing. My parents divorced when I was 7, and it was a bitter time. I didn't learn much in the way of managing conflict by running away to my books while they screamed at each other outside, but they had bought me this giant book of dinosaurs, basically an encyclopedia, and I burned each page of this giant, fat book into my brain. My dad in particular bought me any book that I wanted at the school book fairs through the years after and encouraged my interests in history, and nature, and eventually other cultures. A remarkably curious man for one raised on a farm 15 miles outside Dyersville, Iowa.
I wish I'd had experiences like yours reaffirming your faith. It's incredible what kind, good natured conviction in a higher purpose can bring. I would prefer to still have that. But, when we laid my dad to rest just under 10 years ago, at the church his parents still attended, after diabetes claimed him... I sat closest to both the priest conducting the service as well as the casket. And, about 20 seconds before he's ready to begin the service, the priest leans over to me, and asks me "My apologies, but what was his first name again?" It's a miracle I didn't assault that elderly man on the spot, my only restraint being my paternal grandparents still coping with the loss of their son just next to me. Something in me broke that day. 60 years of trying to be a good catholic, a good and honorable man, who raised me mostly by himself, and his reward was a funeral service conducted by a man who either couldn't be bothered to remember the name of the man he was putting to rest or was unable to do so entirely. Never really got over that.
Ouch thats rough man. I don’t know what I would’ve done in your situation. Thats awful
Your story is a culmination of my story and my best friends.
Love you, Chris.
Thank you for sharing this story. I wasn't raised by my maternal grandparents, but we basically lived with them until just before I started kindergarten. They had a profound effect on my life at that young stage. We were quite close.
Awesome sharing of personal experience. I am 50 and estranged from my mother due to a lot of nonsense. I feel abandoned some times even as a middle aged man. I can't begin to understand how hard it would be for s youngster. Their greatest gift to you was a godly legacy.
As someone in their early 20s right now, I too have found a new appreciation in faith as a Catholic (I believe you've said you are non-denominational). Though, like many young adults my age, I don't follow every rule to a T and don't go to Church much at all. If I get to start a family, I do plan to make Church going a regular thing but I do my own personal prayers here and there.
Just wanted to let out my own story, though not nearly as sad as yours, but for people in my age-group it's a common thing. I had been trying to get with this childhood friend for about a year, and she had shown previous interest in the past so I went for it. Long story short, we did lots of back and forth "will she won't she" type stuff and it got to a point where I was sick of it and wondered if all this effort I was putting in was worth it. So, I wrote in this journal I had gotten a couple of months ago to write my thoughts down. Within it, I asked God for some sort of sign to see if this girl was meant to be my wife, anything at all to make my course of action more clear. No lie, mere hours later that same night we ended up having a long conversation where that answer became clear. I was so thankful, saddened by the outcome, but I haven't forgotten it. Prayer works folks, don't lose faith. You may not be answered every time, but you're always being listened to.
My condolences to your losses when my grandmother died I felt Sad But ultimately I knew that it was her time to go to heaven and then I would need to eventually grow without her it was it was amazing to see your growth as a UA-camr on historian even through the losses you've had through your career so I think I should congratulate you on your success and see your future success on UA-cam
Thanks for sharing Chris, thanks for all you do
Thank you for sharing your testimony, Chris.
My grandpa went home to our savior June 1st. Although he didn't raise me, we were extremely close. Having our faith that we will be together soon and that he is not hurting anymore made saying goodbye and his Passing so much easier. I cannot imagine going through life with no hope of eternity. Breaks my heart for those who don't have that hope.
Hi, Chris, very interesting, thanks for sharing that.
Thank you for sharing this Chris. I was so happy and honored that I got to meet you in Gettysburg this past weekend. You are an inspiration to many people, and we all appreciate everything you do! I'm sure your grandparents are looking down on you and couldn't be more proud of the man, husband, father, and friend you are.
Thanks for telling this story Chris. Keep up the great work and keep your head up my friend 👍🙌🙏
Chris,
Thank you for sharing your personal background, your struggles and your successes. Your grandparents/parents sound like loving/quality people.
I have enjoyed not only having the opportunity to get to know you and absorb some of your knowledge of history virtually through your created content as well as your reaction videos. I also had the honor to have met you at Gettysburg a week ago.
Sometimes when you see someone from afar (famous athlete or celebrity) then have the opportunity to meet them it isn’t quite what you’ve built that event up to be in your mind. In the case of meeting you, expectations were exceeded. Not only were you very approachable and friendly, you engaged in conversation with my wife and I. You are the genuine article. You appreciate the fame you’ve attained and are thankful for the people that got you there… family, friends and fans. All qualities I’m sure you gained from your grandparents. Thanks again for sharing.
~ Paul
Hey Paul. Thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you and your wife! I hope our paths will cross again down the road.
Your last words to your grandfather spoke to me. I was raised by my mother and grandmother. Grandma was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2020 but was so healthy that we thought she had a fighting chance. By September she had deteriorated so fast that we knew she'd be gone soon.
On Sunday September 20th, I woke up, went to mass, then went to go visit her at my moms house. Even though her eyes were open ,and she gasped with every breath, she had stopped communicating two nights prior. I went in, told her about the readings and the homily. I prayed a rosary aloud (her name was Maria), I told her I needed to go to my apartment to do HW but that I'd be back in a few hours to be with her. I kissed her on the forehead and said I'd see her soon.
She died 45 minutes later.
The Epistle reading that day was Phil 1:20 - 24:
Brothers and sisters:
Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
If I go on living in the flesh,
that means fruitful labor for me.
And I do not know which I shall choose.
I am caught between the two.
I long to depart this life and be with Christ,
for that is far better.
Yet that I remain in the flesh
is more necessary for your benefit.
Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Thanks for sharing your story.
God Bless you, Chris.
Thank you for sharing this. It’s difficult putting you’re message out there especially nowadays. Love your videos and keep fighting the good fight
Such a touching video that I will be saving so I can revisit in the future. Thank You VTH❤️
Thanks for sharing. Their impact on you has not only impacted your children, I'm sure, but is also touching the lives of us here in internet land. Thank you for being you for us.
Thank you for sharing this with us Chris, you didn’t have to, but you did. Your grandparents were amazing people and you are a shining example example of that! Thank you sharing, I’m going through a bit of a rough patch right now and this definitely helped a lot❤️
Thank you so much for sharing. You were blessed to have them and now we are all blessed to have you in our lives to share these moments as well as the historical moments. Thank you so much for sharing. A lot of times it’s your videos that get me through some very rough moments and times and I thank you for that
Thank you for sharing, your message was beautiful
They sound like incredible people pastor Chris. I’m glad God had them there for you.
My parents were the same age as your grandparents when I was born. Very interesting.
Got me all teary eyed over here man, thank you for sharing this.
Great video !! reminds me of my grandad who died when i was 4 i miss him lots, amazing story Chris
this story was so relatable,i ended up forgiving to my mother and now we have great relationship,give second chance to people it might be great decision,thanks for sharing it,big fan from Serbia
Best wishes for you and your mother to continue to have that relationship!
What a wonderful tribute. Thanks for making me cry tonight. Great, heartfelt tribute.
Thanks so so much for sharing this Chris. I needed all this. I never had a real father figure cause my dad was so abusive and did drugs. He left when I was 15 after he beat up my mom. I blamed myself for the incident and went through a depression stage. Too afraid to tell my mom because I thought I would disappoint her. I had a lot of thoughts in my mind that I broke up the family and I was feeling like I was a total freak and shouldn't live anymore. But I went to my teachers who staged an intervention for me because I was depressed and constantly went to the bathroom a lot. They helped me through the depression. My mom did too. Shes the one who made me into the music loving kind person I am today. My love of music comes from her and her father. She was a singer and rebel in the 80s. Her parents were not there for her and she began smoking at 14 and ran away. But shes an influence and an inspiration to me. I never had any male role models in my life, and I feel like the guys I met outside of my family were jerks. So thats why I have a female friend circle. My depression ended a year later, that is until my first job at McDonald's. And COVID is what triggered it. I had managers who were so mean to me that they would feed me insults and harsh words if I ever made a small mistake. I was at McDonald's at the time. And I felt like my nightmare was coming true. That the worlds kindness had disappeared and hate was becoming the new norm. People were angry and took their anger out on a lot of people who had nothing to do with it. And unfortunately I was one of them. And I finally quit my first job because the place had gotten so bad, Managers and customers shouted insults whenever I was making an accidental mistake, and my manager did something so terrible to me (I dont want to say it) My depression came back in the form of reclusiveness. I thought that I had angered a lot of people when I wanted to show my kindness. I felt like I had wronged everyone, including my friends, and I was feeling like a total burden to the world. My friends and my mom and sister assured me I wasnt a burden. And I wouldn't be the kindhearted person without my mom my sister and my best friend Julia and my other friends. I kept moving forward. I found a new job I felt safe at, and I am in a lawsuit against my old job for the harassment that my manager did to me that night. I understand how you felt Chris. My dad leaving us and the hate McDonald's gave me made me feel sad for awhile. But I am ok now.
Chris this was very genuine and heartfelt and I’m glad you’re willing to open up and share it. Thanks for a wonderful message and maybe sometime we should talk. My family has its own crazy one in a million story where Ancestry DNA is involved, but as my email said after the first of those videos where you explain the search for your biological father, my prayers as a fellow Christian go out to you and your family and I hope to continue learning alongside you brother.
God bless.
Such a powerful story. Prayers to you and your family. Thankyou for your stories. Praise Jesus!
Thank you for sharing. As a fellow believer I look up to you, and hearing your testimony and a little bit about your faith walk is great and glorifying to the Lord. I am so happy to see how the Lord used your grandparents to change your life, God turned a bad thing into a blessing that was shared among several people! As a northern Kentuckian I hope to someday run into ya and have a conversation about faith or history, If not in this life then in the one after. (Maybe do a community event at the Dayton airforce museum? idk random idea 😆)
I hope this doesn’t come off as weird, but Chris, every since I’ve discovered your videos in 2020 I’ve looked up to you like a father figure, you have the strength to be yourself and live in humility which has been so inspiring to not only me but countless others. Keep doing what you’re doing! 😄
Not weird at all, John. I appreciate the kind words.
Powerful message Chris, thank you for sharing. It gives me a new outlook on my childhood and all of the trials ive been thru.
This was really nice, I even dropped a tear or two. Your grandparents sound like amazing people. They sound a lot like my grandparents who didnt raise me, but always played and still play a huge role in my life. I try to see them more often, but it is not easy with Uni and me living in a differnt town. (For context I am still quite young at 22.) I feel very inspired hearing you talk about your faith in them and in your religion. I myself was baptized and did all the important stuff thats do to with growing up in the catholic church, but somewhere along the way, I lost my faith. You are the only person that has sometimes given me reason to think. I don`t think I will ever again take active part in the catholic church, but hey who knows, maybe someday I will regain something resembling a faith. I will never regain my faith in the institution that is the catholic church of rome and germany, because of their corruption and evil doings, but my faith in a god, that can maybe survive, perhaps even in a different church. If you would be my pastor with your intelligence, kindness and love for history, I think it would be a lot easier. For now, because I am an ocean away from Germany, part of my religion will be your history videos which I love. You truly are a role model for a young guy like me and I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart. And now, I have to watch the Napoleon trailer for the fifth time today, because I am so incredibly hyped! bye :)
I think having grandparents is one of the perfect relations you have. They love you unconditionally, they don't demand anything in return. Unfortunately I lost 2 of my grandparents (maternal / paternal) when I was 2-3, and lost my paternal grandma when I was 13. I just now have my nana (maternal grandpa) whom I love like noone. And I hope he's their to give my future wife his blessings and also become a great grandparent to my kids. You've been very lucky that you have their love. Yeah, losing parents at such young age is something I cannot contemplate as it never happened with me, but having such grandparents who raised you to such a intellectual person you are is a god given present, and I hope they are in a better place and putting in a good word for you.
Maybe also promoting your channel their 😆😆😆😆 (light hearted). Letting Napolean know their is one person who doesn't call him short.🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wow thank you! This was just a amazing video with an amazing massage. I’m not very religious but people like you really show me what a beautiful thing it can be.
Thank you Chris. What a story. I feel that your grandparents were as blessed bringing you and your sister up as you both were by them. We are not, as Christians, promised a trouble free life but we are promised that God walks through everything with us working for our good.
Everybody has a story. I am currently struggling with back and leg issues so my mobility is severely restricted. I feel blessed by people like you, JD, Garry and all those who are putting wonderful US history films on the Tube so I can join in with seeing places I cannot get to now. (Also the UK history and WW2 Europe stuff being a Britt!)
Keep looking for the gold threads of good God weaves into the tapestry of our lives but don’t forget the dark threads as they make the gold shine out! Keep trusting Chris from Devon uk
You are a true representation of an American, God bless my fellow history lover!
for some reason you discussing your parents last days made me think of George w bush and how he lost both his mom and dad in the same year back in 2018. regardless, I think your grandparents gave you something special that nobody could ever take away from you and you'll hold onto that for the rest of your life.
Your stories have brought to mind Jeremiah 29:11. God is so good and keeps His word. You are awesomely BLESSED.
Love all your content Chris, been watching since around 20k subs on the main commentary channel. I love to have your gaming videos as well on my second monitor while i myself play EU4/CK3 or other games. this video made me smile (and shed a tear) because i can tell how much these incridble family members meant to you and i am too grateful for them because thanks to them (and you of course) i get to binge learn about history with your awesome personality at the forefront!
as an athiest its a bit weird to say "god bless you" but i somehow feel that it is the right note to end my comment on so god bless you and your family! /Tulle from Sweden
A great testimony. I have raised two grandsons. The youngest is now 16. I hope and pray that my grandsons will think the same about me. Our Father leads us and supports us in all situations. Our faith and belief in our Lord Jesus makes all the difference. Love is the answer and you explained it well. God bless!
May peace be with you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. You have definitely made your grandparents proud and I’m certain that they’re smiling upon you right now. Aloha 🤙🏼
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thanks for sharing the story of your grandparents!! They sounded like incredible people!! I’m curious, why did your mom want leave your stepdad with you and your sister? And do you still see him?
He lives in North Carolina now so I don't see him much. Her leaving had everything to do with her own issues and nothing to do with my stepdad or us.
Your family story has some similarities to JD Vance’s story-- family roots going back to Kentucky, grandparents moving to Ohio for a better life, being raised by grandparent(s) when your mother could no longer raise you, getting early Christian influences from your grand parents. You are similar ages too.
God Bless you,man! Love your history vids but this was beautiful!
I believe it very important for people to have an interest and you sir have a very healthy interest in enjoying history. I enjoyed photography which was a time machine to me being a moment in time . Life throws up many challenges and sometimes mysteries that we find hard to understand .My father died of lung cancer though i assume being gassed in WW1 did have an effect as well as being a heavy smoker. They were very different times and another memory was how many crippled men in wheel chairs there were because of WW1 and our next door neighbour had a metal plate in his head from WW1 Respect to my mum who then had to raise four children and times were tough and the strong memory for some reason is of ice forming on the inside of our bedroom window which makes me think of what we have today .
Whats the video explaining his dad
I have that exact map on my wall as well that's awesome
Thank you for this great video.
I’m not crying…..eyes are just leaking.
Chris, no one is perfect. I’m sorry for all your recent losses. Your channel means so much to me and so many others. Thank you to the people in your life, past and present who added something to your life to make you the person that you are.
My dad's grandparents raised him and they passed recently my great grandma Gigi passed at 70 on February,1st, 2023 and my great grandpa kaska passed away at 7o on January,1,2023
I was very close with them still have yet to have another human bond like them
You are absolutely right. God is good and helps even those terrible things we experience become good in our lives. If we trust Him and seek to follow him, he will help us turn those bad things into good. Thank you for the reminder. ❤
I love your videos dude
My dad bla blah. He left room mom goes we know that's not real. Mom angel! Hugs😊
My life has been saved before too when I was two months old I had a severe heart condition that nearly killed me it’s unclear how long I would’ve lived without the surgery because I didn’t die!
Not really related to the story, which is incredible by the way, but I have the same civil war map in my bedroom.
Reminds me of John Lennon.
Cathartic in the very best way. Mr Mowery - that was brave! Now accept the deserving grace that is coming your way. I'm not a religious person, but respect those who respect others' beliefs? Take care Sir ...
❤️
so beautiful .
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I want to know more about my ethnicity. Which DNA service do you trust most for that?
I think ancestry.com has the best one of any of them.
@vthextra oh, I thought of them for only family tree related help BUT they focus on many angles of DNA!