How I Told My Kids About Aunt Ruby 

People and the media need to get a grip, you are NOT responsible for your sister and her husband's actions. If the police and CPS couldn't do anything the multiple times they went to the home, what do people expect you to do? Your sister is just that, your sister, she is responsible for herself. And you are not her. You carry on being you, we support you and your family

Bonnie this is your channel, your life, your story. Don’t let people make you fear telling YOUR story. You aren’t obligated to tell your story but we have the privilege of learning about you and your family and seeing you grow. I hope you find peace, I hope you and your family heal on this long journey ❤

Such a heart wrenching story of abuse, and unfortunately it's horrendous for all involved but those precious, innocent children is where the focus needs to be ❤

I was always a quiet viewer, but i have the need to say some kind words under every video since this happened. Stay strong. This is YOUR story. And only YOU can tell the story, nobody else. Surround yourself with good people, who make you feel good. ❤

You are ALL in my prayers. I do worry so about your mom and dad and please let them know they are loved and prayed for too.

Dear Bonnie, You have a whole community that supports you and your family. I can understand that you are afraid of being judged but you have done nothing wrong. I am so glad to see you and wish you the best. Give our regards to the rest of the family. We miss them!❤

I can’t get over how generous you are being with your time and willingness to share what you can. You are really taking on the role of leader in your family during this, and I have to imagine everyone really appreciates you saying what I suspect everyone is thinking. My favorite videos of yours have always been the ones where you sit down and just talk to the camera. You’ve honestly been preparing for these hard conversations throughout your whole time on RU-vid, and just didn’t realize it. ❤

You are a warrior Bonnie. Cling to God in these trials. Rooting for your family!❤️

This just proves that no one knows what your family (Griffiths) has really been through over the past month. I’m always thinking about you all and hoping your strength continues. How blessed it is to have such a strong, supportive family. ❤

YOu did the right thing sharing with your kids. Thank you for sharing with us. We have been praying for you and your family. You Ellie Juile and your folks have been in my prayers. KEEP THE FAITH SISTER!! Much love from Kansas!

Bonnie, in 2015 I was 19 and taking an insanely difficult chemistry class at UC Berkeley. Your videos that summer got me through. I remember thinking, I wanna be in love just like Bonnie and Joel. I’m 27 now, and I periodically watch those old videos as a comfort, I also found my own Joel . I used to watch Ruby’s videos too.. but you just brought a light and I was drawn to you. What happened was so tragic, and I think about you and your family every day. I know you guys will make it through. As a doctoral student in clinical psychology, my advice is you guys as a family really need to support each other. This is not the time for blame, but for healing and a way to move forward.. not only for yourselves , but for those innocent kids who were abused. We support you and your family here. ❤❤

I am so pleased you have taken the time to process and work through this as a family. That being said..I am excited you are sharing again and sharing your life..your family I do worry about your parents... and all your family.. Love from Burley!

It's nice that the kids knew about it with you guys, at the same time. I agree that it was better for them to know instead of wondering about it. Thank you for sharing that with us. 💜

Continued prayers for your family🙏 It makes me feel netter to see you and know how you are doing.

❤❤love seeing you back gorgeous.lots of love from Granny in Australia 🇦🇺 xxx honey you look so tired .. your eyes are telling a story of the horror of what you are going through .. I’m praying 🙏 that grandma and grandpa Griffiths are okay and well .❤❤

I love that even though you, your siblings and mom and dad all live far away from eachother, that your still able to find comfort in eachother and lean on them. I think about you guys often and just pray that you feel the love and comfort from us all. ❤️

Stay strong Bonnie, sending you and your family soooo much love and prayers 💗

It’s So GOOD to see you again. You’re in my prayers 💕

I had a cousin that had some horrible issue and when we heard about it, we felt frozen and powerless for weeks. We as a family could only go to each other for support. We were embarrassed and ashamed to talk about it to anyone. I cannot imagine it being on Social Media and the National News Outlets. You Bonnie, are so brave, compassionate, empathetic and strong! You always have been and that is why I started watching your channel. You have always been “real”. There are so many family vloggers that just show a false life, only the fake versions of life, you have shown reality. Struggles, good times and, tons of growth. You have such an amazing family, your kids are absolutely wonderful, you and Joel are amazing parents, your parents are amazing grandparents and I role model me being a new grandparent after them! Joel’s parents are awesome grandparents! I do know who you are and have since Boston was 2 years old. I have laughed with you and cried with you. You have gotten me through tons of surgeries, Sepsis, which almost killed me and my daughter’s infertility. Now we have a beautiful, funny, adorable 20 month old granddaughter that I kiss and love and make her do the happy face, sad face, grumpy face like you did with Boston! I love your honesty and transparency. You are amazing. You have a lifelong friend in me. Even though you don’t know me, know please, I support you and your family and pray for your entire family, including Ruby.

I’m so proud of you for coming out and speaking and letting your viewers know what happened from your perspective. I’m just so glad to see you vlogging again. Hopefully each day gets a little easier. Continuing thoughts and prayers to your entire family.

Never have I felt the need to support a channel SO MUCH! We love you Bonnie. Keeping your chin up. Sending love and prayers your way x

It’s so good to see you posting again! We missed you and I hope your siblings also return to vlogging! God gives battles to his strongest soldiers and you know how hard your family has fought the past three years!

Thank you for letting all of us feel your feels. I appreciate you for sharing your journey. You are a Warrior!!! Much love and continued prayers.

Sending hugs to you & your family through all of this!!💜

Prayers are with you and your family during this trying time 💕

Praying for your healing bonnie! The kids are in my prayers too❤

we are praying for your family! I have followed Ellie since the beginning and then all of you once you joined in and I commend you all on your strength and how caring you are towards one another. I do not keep up with many people on social media but have always loved your family. You are amazing parents and you have amazing parents. We can’t control others actions, all we can do is pray. Don’t listen to what others post or think, and take anytime you need when you need it. Here for you ❤❤

Sending love your way bonnie ❤ thank you for being a great role model ❤ lots of love sent your way ❤

My prayers are with you and your family.❤

I just have one thing to say. Ruby and Kevin weren't good parents even before Jody came into the picture. I don't want Ruby's trial is all about Jody did everything. They are (Ruby & Kevin) just as guilty as Jody. This is just my opinion

I really respect that you were already taking steps to protect your kids from the madness that you saw developing. The people accusing you of wrongdoing seem to have no experience dealing firsthand with a high level narcissist. Trying to manage a close relationship with someone who is willing to lie, gaslight, manipulate, and set family members against each other is mind bogglingly difficult. And the fact that you two had already been close before she changed probably makes it even harder. This is a huge mess for you to navigate and you’re doing a great job slogging through it. Also - of course you’re here talking about your in your videos. That’s why I’m here, to hear your perspective on things. You’re not a news network. Thanks for continuing to share your thoughts.

Bonnie, you have no idea how much i have beeing thinking and praying for you, your parents and siblings. You are good people.

Very proud of you for separating your family and protecting them from this. This is clearly a cult she is in, she was trying to persuade you of awful things that weren't true, to plant seeds of doubt in your mind. So strong of you! You got out of the mindset very early, good on you Bonnie

I appreciate how open you are with your kids. So many parents shelter their children. We've always been open and honest and answered any questions best we can with our 11 year old. And if it's something we don't think he should know we just say "you aren't quite old enough yet to understand"

I can't imagine the pain you all are feeling. I've been worried about you all, and mom and dad. Please tell them we care and pray for them and you all.

Bonnie ❤ Your transparency is much appreciated. You are truly an amazing person. Your entire family is much loved despite everything happening. We all ache for you guys, it is so emotional. I've been following your channel since the very beginning - I will never stop watching you. Please send hugs to your family but especially to your parents. I can't even begin to imagine their pain. We love you all, we pray for you all, we stand by you all.

You keep your head up Bonnie! I love y'all and praying.

Bonnie. You are a great mom. I’m so shocked about the 8 passengers situation. I was a huge fan of the channel and I don’t know what to say. I’m angry and upset that this has happened. Praying for you and your family. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Bonnie , I have been watching your parents for many years. I love your family.I have kept you all in my prayers. I know this is difficult especially since you share your lives with so many people. Taking that leap to allow people you dont know into your private family comes with good and bad. Some will understand others will condemn. I hope you all can remain strong in your family and come to terms with the situation. God heals all wounds and turns what was meant for evil into good. May God bless you all.

A few minutes into the video I realized that the ruby in trouble is your guys' ruby! Oh I'm so sorry your family is going through this. I hope all those babies find a safe place to heal. And that your family is able to heal from this.

Praying for all of y’all, I love how genuine you are and you are NOT to blame for anything your sister does!! 🙏

Those feelings you have described : talking in circles trying to make things make sense, staying together not talking, not being able to hang up, the constant confusion, the constant crying…. I know these moments too well, they are horrible, you guys aren’t alone and you are incredibly lucky to have each other to support one another. These feelings shouldn’t be felt if you are isolated.

Thanks for sharing this as calmly as you were able to do. So sorry for the pain your whole family has endured. Would you tell us how your dear parents are doing? Have been very concerned for them. ❤

Just keep taking life day by day, your amazing. Your kids look up to you and your handling this so well, given your circumstances. Keep pushing girl.

I’m sure it’s difficult to grasp, but there is video evidence of Ruby and Kevin being terrible parents before Jodi was in the picture. I know this will be said- “you can’t judge a parent from what you see in a short video clip. You don’t know what they are really like.” However, no amount of surrounding context can justify withholding food from children and using hunger as punishment. That single example (though there are many more available) is enough for me. Even aside from the very obvious instances, children of family vlog channels are going to grow up and finally prove how exploitative even the most “wholesome” family channels are.

Your such a great mom. I cherish you and value you so much. I've been learning some parenting skills from you and thank you for that. I love watching your family on here

Bonnie I’m constantly praying for your family and especially your parents I’ve watched them and not even knowing them personally I can see what type of people they are and I can even imagine what they are going through and how they feel! I just want to hug them! But what I know I can do is continue to pray for you all! God will see you guys through this! ❤

your transparency and honesty has always been so refreshing.

I can't imagine all you guys have been through. I am so sorry. As a mother, I have often thought about your precious parents.....finding this out so far away. ❤

You've been in my heart lately. Sending hugs and healing to you and your family♡

Having watched you for many years, i feel like I know and understand how this is impacting you personally. You mourn with those that mourn. My heart hurts for you and your family. You are so strong and brave. Bonnie, I know He will heal your heart, He will comfort you and He will bring you peace. He will not fail you and His hand is extended to you ❤ we love you and support you. Take all the time you need ❤

Thank you so much Bonnie for sharing this, even if it was very difficult. You were right to tell your kids about the situation going on in the fam. Especially you were and are so close together. I just admire that so much. I wish you and all the rest of the fam. the best and finding peace together. God bless you.

I respect you so much being so honest with your kids through it all. Praying for your family.

So thankful you have your inner circle and community walking out this journey with you. Continuing to lift each of you up in prayer as you navigate through ❤️

Thank you for filling in YEARS of voids! Continue to be strong as the this storm is far from over as I am sure you know. Love and support to you!

Hi Bonnie, job well done on this video. This is an unimaginable situation and sharing must be so difficult but at the same time serve as such a catharsis. As I have mentioned before, you are handling this like a champ. Continue to speak your mind, heart and feelings so that you may get through this ordeal stronger and wiser! Sending much love 😊❤

Bonnie you and your family parents kids siblings all in my prayers it is so good to see u have missed u but understand the absence so much. Love u abd God bless you all❤

I am so grateful for your candor throughout this whole thing. When the news hit, I was truly shocked and can't imagine how it hit you. I truly have so much love for you, your family, your parents and I am grateful that you are finding a way to continue to share with us and bring us with you through what must be the hardest time of your life. We love you Bonnie xxx

I'm glad that your kids listened to their guts and knew that the situation was weird. It shows that you are doing a good job raising your kids by teaching them to listen to their own intuition.

Another message from someone who never responded before: I didn’t ask the question, but thanks for telling us. However hard it was to share, it’s good to know how you got to know and experienced things. And I agree, kids are better at dealing with truth (without a capital!) than we adults often think. 💪🏻 Dear Bonnie, I think about you and your family so much. As a long time follower, as a survivor of childhood abuse, as a fellow Christian, this all breaks my heart and I’m glad to know you can feel our support, even from strangers. Crying is a blessing in disguise. I couldn’t for years after my childhood and still can’t, so I know it’s a blessing from God, to help us heal. As for your parents, I could always feel your mum’s love through the screen. As if she gave us all a big hug. So I’m glad she’s getting some of that in return. And I hope she knows this is not her fault or a reflection of her as a parent. My heart breaks for your parents so much and I hope they’re okay. Please let them and your sisters know we care, and will wait patiently until they’re ready ❤ As for the people we can’t talk about: yes, it will get better. It will take time, but with true unconditional love and proper therapy, healing is possible. Know you’re in my prayers ❤❤❤

My mom’s sister did something very similar and wanted to not be in our family anymore. I remember my mom telling us a similar thing. I’m so sorry, Bonnie.

So nice to see you! Praying for you and your family and your beautiful children and that you can find peace in the love that surrounds you ❤️

i'm glad you were transparent and told them. because my parents kept things to me not to this scale but family drama and stuff and it made me feel isolated. i'm glad they know why things happened but not fully every detail. makes things easier. i was a kid that always worried if things were my fault i hated confrontation a lot still do. hope you're days are getting better love you all ❤

As many people were part of all your life’s the past years I think it’s really good to hear some more details and get to know what really happened. Thank you very much for sharing ❤

We are all here for you! ♥ I hope you guys take your time to heal and come out stronger than ever! I wish I could hug everyone of you ♥.

Bonnie, I don’t know how to put it into words well enough but I want you to know how much of a comfort you are to so many. The events that we’ve learned about are so horrific, yet you walking us through your emotions and feelings is comforting in a way. You just have this peace when you talk and it truly makes me believe that everything will one day be ok. I cry just thinking about the pain that you ALL have been through. As someone who has watched you all since 2016, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you opening up to us like this. Thank you 💕

I think it’s amazing that you can bundle up the strength to say what you want, because that’s what you should do. You deserve that freedom period.

We love you Bonnie stay strong ❤

Glad to see you again, Bonnie. Sending you & your family best wishes & prayers during this difficult time. 🙏🤞☘

I’m so proud of you and your family! I was worried for you all, and gave advice from my experiences. I don’t usually give advice unless people ask for it, it was given to you from a loving place. Peace and love! Very proud of you all!

Bonnie or you are so strong!! Thank you for being so transparent and REAL . Sending prayers to you and your family🫶🏼

I’m so sorry for the pain your family has endured. Praying for healing 🙏🏻

Happy Friday Bonnie....❤ Yea so happy to see you posting this vlog. Watching with my husband from East Tn. Hope the Hoellein family has a great weekend. God bless your day, Viola

You’re all in my thoughts and prayers! You’re doing amazing ❤❤

I have been praying daily for your family and also wanted to say.. that I listened very intently in conference for words that could help or comfort your family in this situation. I heard a coulpe of talks that stood out. I heard a talk about THE source of truth that we should turn to. I also heard a talk that answered the question you asked a couple videos ago about how people respond or react to challenges in their lives. ..and who they should get or obtain comfort from. I hope all of this makes sense. I dont know your family IRL..but I also have watched and grown to love your family..and feel as if I do know you. I live in Burley and think about your fam as I drive past your favorite RV park that is close to my daughters house. Though I know your fam is not there.. I just have a feeling of connection with your family. As a pulled out the cookbook and looked through the recipes and pictures that are in it, I also contemplate how things have come to this. I KNOW there is a purpose for everything. I feel..over time, that your entire family can and will be made whole and look forward to following you along the way..even if we never meet. I am prayerful daily also regarding your parents. I have a son who is 9 months into his mission...as a service missionary and cannot even imagine how they would deal with it..being all the way in Serbia. I dont know if they stayed out or came home.. but please let them know that they are in prayers.. either way, PLEASE!! Sorry for the long comment..just wanted to let you know you are in thoughts and prayers.. and also on our temple prayer roll.

Praying for peace and comfort for your entire family. Sending so much love to you. ❤

Love you guys....sending positive and loving energy 💜

Just remember, with all of the chaos going on around you, dont forget to remind yourself just how awesome you are. We are all here for you. ❤ sending love.

Oh Bonnie- what a cross your family has had to bear. I am praying for you and everyone involved. Thank you for sharing your story! I hope we will eventually be able to hear updates on Sharrie and everyone else. Praying for healing and a bright future for everyone 🙏

Keep staying strong. You have lots of amazing support.

So proud of you. This is your form of therapy, we’re here to listen and support

Is Ellie okay? We’ve heard from you and Julie but her silence is scary. I know she’s battled migraines and I often thought hers were due to blood pressure.

your voice and mannerisms are like Mom's. Your attitude is positive and you are very compassionate, Lady!

I totally understand the impact the events has on a family that appears to be so close, happy and content. Maybe, just maybe, sharing emotions on socials can be cathartic. Blessings. 😊

Prayers, LOVE and warm thoughts for you and your whole family, in these difficult times! Bonnie , you are strong and brave - thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings! ❤️❤️

Love you Bonnie. Praying so hard for your family ❤️

It seems you are dealing and have dealt with this impeccably as a family. Hold your heads high ❤️Sending love xx

Sweet Bonnie, I totally understand taking on the feelings and emotions of those around me, whether it’s a commercial on tv, a friend, a family member etc…it’s hard and can be so draining, especially when you’re personally invested. You and Joel have handled this so well with your children, siblings and parents. My hearts hurts for all of you. Love and prayers. 🙏🏻❤️

Bonnie, the way you have handled this situation is truly incredible. There’s a whole community behind you all and it’s so important to not bottle up emotions. Sending all the love and support from Australia.

Nothing but love and supportive vibes coming at your from this fan. Your family and their videos have gotten me through some really dark times and the long time viewers know what kind of people you really are. And honestly, I had stopped watching 8Passengers years ago because there were just some things that Ruby did and said that felt off. So I can 100% see your family’s perspective. And while finding out her actions went to a criminal length, and that’s heartbreaking, it’s not surprising. And you have nothing to do with that. So sorry for how heartbreaking this has all been for you and your loved ones.

been following you and your sister for a long time, sending all of my love. ❤️

Thinking of y’all! I know this situation is incredibly difficult and stressful to navigate and uncharted territory especially under a microscope. You are doing amazing and hope you are able to find some peace. Prayers

we love you bonnie !! you've got this ❤‍🩹

It's weird to say to someone I don't know (and probably weird for you to hear from someone you don't know), but I'm so proud of the way your family has come together for each other. Stay strong, stay honest, and continue to hold onto each other.

My heart goes out to all of you for all that you all are going through. The children are the ones that suffer the most. Bonnie, You are stronger than you know. Lead by example. Love them stronger than ever. Give them hope. Love and prayers to you all. Stay close don't let the outside tear you apart. This is personal. Take your time. We can wait. Prayers for a healing and comfort in being together as a family. God Bless you all.

Stay strong Bonnie xxx so glad you are posting videos xx I wish Ellie and Jared and your parents would also speak up as well, the first video must have been hard for you but I hope I gets easier every time x just remember we are still here and we are supporting you and your family in these hard times xx

Hi Bonnie, I went through a family trauma and I was so grateful my parents were honest. The only thing I'd change is having counseling when it was going on. It is a lot for a little brain to grasp, and having someone untangle all the craziness going on would've saved years of confusion. Just a tip❤️

Bonnie, it amazes me how extraordinarily brave and strong you are!! I feel like you have taken on the role of "mom" while your mom isn't able to be here in the states with you all during this very difficult time. I feel like your videos don't just speak for you and Joel but also for your parents and other siblings as well. I can't say thank you enough for being so vulnerable and continuing to share your lives with your viewers through all of this. You are a bright light that continues to shine even in the darkness. Never forget how proud your viewers are of you and how much we love and support your whole family through all of this. I don't know you personally but I have watched your videos since before you were pregnant with Lincoln and I truly feel like you are family (hope that doesn't seem creepy! LOL). Just know your viewers are supporting you from the sidelines!!! Stay strong girl!!

You are in your new home❤❤❤, how I've missed YOU and your FAMILY, SENDING PRAYERS TO YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WE LOVE YOU, WELCOME BACK.

Bonnie I love your vlogs and your other family members. I am a widow and I look forward to a little comfort from all of the vlogs ❤🙏🏻