If you listen, your children will teach you more than you can imagine. Thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing such a personal story. You've broken the cycle and given your kids a father to be proud of. Great job, Corey!
This is why I miss the vlogs!!! It was such a privilege to watch such an amazing person go through life. You and Kristen are pure souls and truly good people. ❤
I think many men repeat the mistakes of their fathers. Or if they grew up without a father's love, they don't know how to be a loving father themselves. It must have taken a lot of work to break that cycle. Much respect.
youre doing amazing work being the dad that you are. if only all kids could have a dad that loves them like you love your children. its true that you deserved it too when you were a boy. what youre giving chell and atlas is so so special in return
i started following your journey 8 years ago. i just started college and i come back sometimes to reminisce. life moves so fast! having a family that loves and cares so openly makes a world of difference 💗
You're a man that's taken control of his life. You haven't allowed the trauma of your childhood to define your future or yourself. So many say they are who they are because of their upbringing and they didn't have a chance, you are proof that doesn't have to be the case. You made the decision not to be your father but to be the father you wanted all of your childhood. Your kids will grow up not having to make that decision, that's the biggest gift you will ever give them.
People are not stamped out of a cookie cutter. People are different, and their potential is different. You can’t use one person’s response to life and say that everyone can or should react the same way.
I said "doesn't' have to be the case" not that it proves it isn't the case. Huge difference between those two! Thanks however for finding the fire that wasn't there. I have met many that hide behind issues in there early life and they are hiding as it gives them a reason why they can't do some things when the simple truth is they are plain lazy. If course there are genuine cases but way too many that just wear it like a badge so they get an easy pass.
Hi Cory I've missed you so much. The moments you share on here with us makes me feel like i want to cry. You have no idea how much you are a special part of my life. Every time I see you and your family in a vlog, and all the memories you shared with us (ME) on here, and being as vulnerable just now in this video makes me feel so close to you. I just want to say that the trust you feel with your viewers is so brave. I can honestly say Corey even if I have not had the chance to have met you personally and all, I love you like one of my best friends and I respect and adore you respectfully. ( Sorry, That is a lot to read here on social media so I just want to make sure you feel safe with my words.) Seeing you today has made my day so special. Hugs to you Cory, Hug those babies for me and one for Kristen too.
Ya know, I've been watching you from the start since stopman. I was a kid, now i'm starting a family of my own. Seeing and listening to ya is like always seeing a longtime friend. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you Corey, for sharing so much with us. Take care.
You wouldn’t be the man you are today if that hadn’t happened! I’ve had to accept that the abuse is what gave me the depth in which to love my children. I’m so amazingly lucky! My adult children actually like me!! We’ve made strides Cory!!!! Thanks for sharing! Especially today!!!!!
My Son is 8 Month old.... He cries a lot, but he can't communicate any other way yet. But when he's happy, his laugh is the purest form of joy. His look in his eyes when he looks at me or my wife.... PURE TRUST! Pure LOVE!
I can answer that as someone who also didn't have a good father. It is because you don't want your children to know how that feels. You're a wonderful father, I hope you never doubt that. All these hard things you've had to go through have made you into the amazing person you are. I know how hard these things are to deal with.
Hey Cory, from one somebody who also hit the crappy dad lottery- I’m so sorry. The healing you’re going through is amazing. I highly recommend “The Body Holds the Score” by Van Der Kolk and “Why Does He Do That?” By Lundy Bancroft. Both books gave me insight on what I was going through, as your experience (minus having kiddos of my own) mirrors mine. I’m sending you a lot of love and light ❤
Thank you for those book recommendations, I've put them into my Amazon basket for the New Year. I too hit the crappy Dad lottery. He's a very controlling man. Now he's realised he no longer has control over me, he's lashed out (emotionally, psychologically & spiritually) to the point of no return. What makes it worse for me is that he's meant to be a Christian (I'm not convinced he actually is anymore, even though he thinks he is), he's been a nurse, a social worker & a voluntary police officer, so he knows better, even though he pretends he doesn't. I'm having to limit contact with him to family gatherings only, where I have witnesses who he won't do anything in front of. And it's pretty much to stay in contact with the rest of my family that I'm allowing that contact. We now have little ones & I too want to break the cycle. When my "Dad" passes away, I want the poison to pass away with him. I don't want his poison to ruin relationships with the rest of my family. Things are difficult with my Mum, but mainly because of the issues with my "Dad". I'm certain these books you recommended will help me. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I really appreciate it.
You’ve broken the cycle and that’s incredible: your kids are so fortunate to have you as a dad. You are NOT obligated to have your bio dad in your life, or anyone else like that. ❤❤❤
If you haven't seen Stick Man (it's an animation based of a children's book, by the makers of the Gruffalo) definitely give it a watch! Thank you for opening up and sharing those stories with us, Chell and Atlas will grow up being so loving and caring because of all the amazing things they learn from you and Kristen ❤
I've been really struggling with traumatic flashbacks of my own abusive father lately and this video was so soothing and reassuring to watch. Really appreciate your vulnerability and the progress and growth you’ve made to conquer those demons of the past. All the best to you and your little family.
Forgiveness is for you not the other person and you will never forget the abuse and awful things that happened. You are a resilient person who has turned around what could have been a terrible life path, into a beautiful life with an amazing family. You will never find answers to satisfy your curiosity about why… keep loving on those babies for as long as you possibly can and keep sending out your bright light into the world.
I'm so happy for you Cory. I love the fatherly connection you have and how you are giving them something you never had. I'm sure when they grow up someday they will pass the torch and give their children the same treatment. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us! It made me a bit teary eyed throughout the video.
You are setting her up to find an awesome parter in the future. That's one of the greatest gifts that a parent can give to their child long term. I am sorry you had to go through these bad things early on. You have overcome them and you turned out so so well nevertheless. You have such a beautiful family and are a great family. Thank you for showing that even though you had a rough start, life can still turn out wonderfully ❣
Well damn Cory! I didn't expect to start tearing up this Wednesday morning! That's a beautiful experience with your kids. And thanks for sharing such a deeply personal and vulnerable part of your life's story with us. You're a good man. A good father. I'm so glad to know that you've broken the cycle and you didn't become like your biological father. I wish you peace and happiness with the love of your family.
I haven't watched your videos in years now - that last goodbye there at the end made me shed a little tear - so nostalgic! You're such an amazing and inspiring person, so glad to see you're still your silly self❤
MIss you Cory. Thank you for sharing this experience. Its funny how little gestures can spark a memory that floods us with emotion. I continue to struggle with processing my mom's passing. I find that the most random things will stop me dead in my tracks, often ugly crying. I also strugggle with trauma from my childhood. Its funny that it will show its ugly face at the most random times. Also, why is it that my siblings have such a different recollection of it all than I do? Anyway, I love that you have this memory with Chell. I see soo much Kristen in her.
Thank you for sharing this Cory. I am sorry you had to go through this. Know that despite your experience with your dad...you are a great dad to Chell and Atlas. You are loved and providing a great example to your kids.
Sounds like Fathers Day came early for you, Cory! I applaud your bravery into the territory of authentic feeling. (Not that you never truly had feeling before, but only that you got to discover and/or rediscover something profound in that moment.) Your daughter is lucky. My father was a terror.
Thank you for your vulnerability Cory. It takes courage and bravery to open up like that and to talk openly about what you’ve gone through. Also, made me cry! 🙏 thanks for being that light💡
You're awesome for talking about this mate, it's good to talk. It's like free therapy. I think the reason you're so driven to be such an amazing dad is because of what happened to you in the past. You're one of the strong ones that have used this stuff to drive you and that's awesome. You can be the person you are now having been through some crappy stuff. Good on you and I'm glad I'm back watching your vlogs again after over a decade. Regards, Adam
I applaud you so much Cory for being transparent and vulnerable with us! Surely, you know that there are many of us out here who share your same experience...it's sad but true! You are speaking to the hearts of many of your adult followers who can relate and just you being honest is helping heal us! Keep doing what you're doing! Peace and love ❤️
So sorry to hear what you went through Cory, makes me feel super sad for you. You have the kindest heart and love for your kids, what an amazing role model you are for your family.
Im very happy for you Cory. I've been here with you since 2009 i think? And i always kinda looked up to you as my older brother. Weird, I know. But it feels great to see you where you are. You deserve all the best.
We didn't get the childhoods that we deserved but now we get to give that to our kids and we get to honor our past selves for getting through what we did.
Your childhood memories even though they’re negative have made you the incredible positive and loving parent you are today. There’s so many parents who could learn a lot from you. I love and miss you guys.
Cory it’s good to see you. I miss you watching your vlogs. You are such a beautiful soul and a great Dad. My heart goes out to you I’m sorry you and your Mom had to go through all that when you were young. God Bless.
Corey- you are at the stage RIGHT NOW where talking will help you. You are making breakthroughs that will cure yoi! Keep doing it. Vlog all the terrible unspeakable things until you clear it all out! Then delete it. You will not believe how much it helps. My daughter and I went thru a similar thing. You became an EMT and Fireman because you want to save people from evil men. You have done that with your videos😢
Cory, if you haven’t received psychiatric help, please do. They can help you to compartmentalize and manage the memories so that the pain you feel can be somewhat muted. They can help you deal with being the child who wasn’t loved by his dad. That isn’t your fault. You definitely deserved better! Thank you for sending love our way. Today it is needed. I just found out that in ten years I will probably have serious osteoporosis. My bones have always been strong. This scares me to death. My dearest friends are older than me. One is in Stage 1 Alzheimer’s disease. The other just got out of the ICU after a car wreck where an uninsured driver went left of center and my friend, in her mid-70’s, is dealing with a cracked sternum, a fractured ankle and she was already dealing with arthritis in her joints. I just sat down to try and process all these things. And you sent your love out to all of us. Now I’m smiling, feeling SO LUCKY that my friends are still alive and you and yours are still living your best lives! My love to Kristen as she recovers and gets back to normal health. My love to Atlas for being such an energetic, cute, and loving little boy. My love to Chell, who we watched growing through all her firsts in life. What a special experience that was. And how it makes so very special in our hearts. We should both count our blessings. Heaven knows there are many great things. Happy holidays! I look forward to hearing from you soon. ❤
Love is the most powerful and profound thing in existence. It is eternal, and the true meaning of life. As you grow up, you're naive thinking you know what it feels like. But once you find the real thing, and feel it, you gain a deeper understanding of conciousness and all that is. Having children is one of best ways to experience it and I am so happy for you. Love you Cory!
Be your own Dad. There's a little boy in you that needs a bit of caring. As you hug your kids, hug yourself too. Love on that boy. And you do NOT have to forgive him. He doesn't deserve it.
All the love and respect to you, Cory. Appreciate you sharing this. It's humbling how much our kids teach us about ourselves and the bigger picture of life. You're an amazing husband and father because you try to be, and are not afraid to be vulnerable with your loved ones. You're changing the generational story of your family just by that. Love never fails.
As a person who has watched you grow and learn since the beginning of your youtube days, you have evolved into a great man. A few years ago, you shared a little bit about Larry and how much he made an impact on your life. I still remember that video. I could see from the very beginning (not even knowing what your Dad did to you) that you are the type of person that wants to give your children a better world than you had. Your kids want for nothing and have more love than could even be calculated. They know that and they will never forget it. ♥ You are a WONDERFUL Father, Husband, Son, - a better man. I wish the world had a hundred million more of you because if we did, we would be so much better off. Hugs to you.
The past is past, you've been through a lot, both good and bad but the most inportant thing is that you have to be you, you are an awesome person and an even better dad!!
Cherish these golden moments with your kids. Nothing lasts forever. I know you'll absolutely never stop loving them with all your heart. But there comes a time where you'll have given the last piggyback ride, will never play in the same silly childlike way because they've grown into wonderful adults. But in their memories they'll never forget the love and joy from these moments with their father too
Sometimes you just find the video that speaks to you. I'm just having an emotional/weepy day. Thanks for sharing. Childhood goes by very quickly and as we age we reflect more on the past and less on the future. Especially at this time of year. I do look forward to Spring as Winter is so dark. Love your videos as always. Wishing you and your family Peace, Joy and Love.
I am a bit of an emotional person but rarely cry and this had me tearing up. I have watched your vlogs since Chell was born and I could tell you were definitely meant to be a dad. That loving moment you shared, just sounds amazing and I am glad it made you so happy. Cherish these moments. It seems like you are a great dad and your children are lucky to have such great parents! I am so sorry to hear about your biological dad, that sounds awful what you said and I am so sorry you had to experience that. It takes a lot of courage to come out and say what you did. My dad was in the military for around 5 years just before and around the time I was born, so he suffered from some PTSD from that. Hewas overall a good person and he cared about our family a lot, but found it hard sharing his emotions and we sometimes found it hard to understand him sometimes. Due to his PTSD, he would have days when he wasn't easy to get along with. My dad found it hard to understand me so I didn't get along with him like my sister did as they were very alike. I connected more with my mom who did understand me and my issues. I had a lot of issues as a child and I would get frustrated easily and didn't know what was causing it until I was eventually diagnosed with Autism when I was 31 and most of the issues I had, made sense. I also think I have ADHD which I am waiting to be tested for. I am an emotional person and I don't like to hide my emotions whereas my dad found it hard to share his, so that made things harder for me to get along with him. On the days when my dad wasn't going so well or had PTSD triggers, he would be prone to getting mad easily, and while this didn't happen often, I have some not so good childhood memories of my dad getting mad at me, arguing with my mom or driving too fast, and those moments were a bit scary. Overall that wasn't who he was and before he died, we did manage to get along and shared so good times together.
I agree Cory. If you can't love children you can never love anyone. You are such a good man and I love you and your family. Have you considered that had you not been through all the things you went through as a child, you might not feel this way about so loving your children? I think you were determined to NOT be like your father.
I've experienced this too with my partner, I realized I loved her so much and how much I valued her and I started crying while we were falling asleep (I never cry, not by choice its just the way my brain works). It's amazing how much you can truly adore somebody, how safe we can feel, how protective we can feel, how special they can become for us. This is what life is about, we were born to love eachother.
Cory, I’ve been watching your videos for 15 years. And in all that time, even though we see just a fraction of your day, and it’s the fraction of your day that you saw fit to share with us, that’s still enough time to get an idea of someone at their core. Despite everything you went through in your childhood with your bio dad, you were given the kind of love that you needed by your mother, and by the man that you call your dad. You were shown an example of how to be a good dad, and it’s clearly stuck with you. You were taught how to value and respect life, and people. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that you’re such a good dad to your kids. I’m still a single guy at 47, and recently I’ve come to accept that even if I become a husband someday, it’s not likely I’ll become a father. And I think I’m OK with that. But that’s me. My parents are still alive, and I see them at least every other week. My own dad is going to be 81 next year. I like to think that he taught me everything I needed to know about being a dad, just in case I would need that knowledge someday. I’m sorry to hear about the relationship you had with your bio dad, but in a way, that taught you exactly how NOT to be with your spouse, your kids, people in general. Some people just aren’t ever ready to be a parent. Some people just can’t stop making selfish or bad choices. It sucks, but that’s life. What we do with that knowledge, be it good or bad, is what matters. I’m really looking forward to seeing the new house! I had forgotten that you guys were moving. I hope to meet up with you again someday. We met on the big tour back in 2012 or whenever it was, here in Columbus Ohio at the spaghetti warehouse. God willing, if we see each other again someday, there will definitely be an EPIC MAN HUG!!
What a beautiful thing to feel love so deeply after all the trauma you've been through growing up. Breaking the cycle of abuse is such a difficult thing to do, but be proud that you did. This world needs children from people like you.
Cory ive been following your channel since good old SMP day! You are an amazing and awesome person and an even more amazing father to Chell and Atlas! You guys always gives me laughs!
You are the person that you are because of your past. You would be a different person if you hadn't gone through what you did. You don't take love for granted.
It’s such a privilege to hear your story and open up about what you went through. I’m a cycle breaker of generational trauma too. My dad was a toxic alcoholic and my mum left him. He committed suicide when I was five. Brainspotting has helped a lot to heal from childhood trauma
Cory, you are an incredible person. I've been watching you since the beginning. You have come so very far and have a beautiful family. Just keep doing what you are doing. You are quality people. ❤❤❤
I missed this video in my feeds at the time, but this was so beautiful to hear! I hate it for you that your birth dad was an awful man. Your mom did an excellent job raising an amazing son who is now an amazing father ❤ cherish every moment, time flies too fast! I hope your new kitten from a few months ago is well too! I miss the vlogs! Hope you're all well 🤗
I've loved watching you become a dad and go through all the stages of being a dad, Cory! My son was probably 10 when we discovered you and he is now 22 (omg HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? 😢 Time flies, my friend...) So, since he was busy with school, life, and his friends, I was working from home and I kept up with your channel. I still look at my son and cannot get over the fact that that tall, long-haired, snarky, but sweet as can be 22 year old ... I grew him. It amazes me beyond belief every time I look at him. I am so grateful for my parents - most especially my dad, we have an amazing connection, especially given the fact that he turned 17 a month after I was born. My mom and I get along better now (not the absolute best, but a lot better than we used to. I know that if she had to choose between me and my sister, she will ALWAYS choose my sister, no matter what she says. I've always felt that I was never good enough for her. Nothing I did was right for her. But as soon as my sister walks in - her face lights up. The number of times that ripped me apart...and then she has started doing some stuff recently that hurt my feelings that I'm trying to deal with, and I just, I'm adding it to my pile of "I can't deal with this right now". My daddy is scheduled to have back surgery on Dec 21st. For anyone who is willing to send our gold thoughts, prayers, good juju, whatever you wish, I would be forever grateful. He's very worried about going under anesthesia again (last time was very traumatic). This surgeon is an excellent Dr from a really great group: they did my husband's neck surgery which was an extremely tricky operation. All went well with his 🥰 So, I am hoping that means that all will go well with Daddy's, too! (We are also hoping that with this surgery and with PT, he will finally be able to work his way back to walking with JUST a walking cane and no longer be dependent upon a rollator/walker as he has been since he had his massive heart attack back in 2020. (I won't even attempt to describe that entire situation here. It was a MESS.)
♥ thanks for sharing. I am in the best relationship ever, after 15 years on my own. I get the happy and wishing life had been different. Wish I had meet my man before all the crap I went through. You are an amazing person and Dad Corey. Onwards and upwards 😃
I've been watching your videos almost as long as you've been posting them, that's got to be at least 15 years right? Today I've cried tears of joy and tears of sadness. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us over the years, I fell like im listening to an old friend ❤
I’ve too had a past like yours, minus the alcohol. 60 yrs old and I still wonder; why couldn’t you love me? I thought for a lot of years something was wrong with me, just an unloveable person. 7 yrs ago I went for therapy, today I’m in a great place. Nothing wrong with me, it was all them and I love myself today because I’m lovable!
Thank you!!! I'm a single mom to a 2 year old (he has Autism) and his father even AFTER I tracked him down 4 times and made him see his son STILL to my face told me he did not want ANY contact of ANY kind with me OR OUR SON. We also had another baby boy together named Jayden in 2010 but sadly he walked out on me and our son while I was pregnant. Our 1st son Jayden was born with a birth defect called CDH and sadly I had to remove him from life support at 23 days old. I kept him in the lope every day with phone calls and text but NEVER got a reply and he NEVER came to see our son (he didn't even come to his sons funeral). we ran into each other 1 year after our son died and after LOTS of talking I gave him 1 more chance. 11 and a half years later I get pregnant with our 2nd baby boy (my rainbow baby) and he was born happy and HELTHY yes he has Autism but otherwise is completely normal. still to this day he has not been there. I don't know where he lives he won't reply to text and I don't know if he's alive or dead. But I will do my best to love my son enough for the both of us.
Just want to say I’m 25 and this resonates with me on such a deep level! My dad was an abusive one and I know I’ll be a great dad one day! The thoughts are always there embedded for life but it’s what you do with your life and your actions from scenarios like that is what truly matters! You genuinely are an amazing dad and keep being like that, one day I hope to have memories like this with my children. Keep being sensitive and emotional it’s a superpower! Really needed to see this video today thanks for this 🫶
This is absolutely beautifully said! You value yourself and treasure those around you the most. Our Heavenly Father deems us each individually more valuable than precious rubies, temples made of gold, any amount of money, or any amount of power on earth. He wants us to know even just a fraction of His love for us, which is the purest form and even more complete than our own parents love us. It is hard to imagine a love that strong and pure, and that's just it his love has no end or boundaries. This is so beautifully said about Chell and your family and how you view children's worth. This is why God created families and why they are essential to the great plan of happiness. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing the love and the wisdom you've gained from it.🙏❤️
One of my earliest memories is of my parents fighting, screaming matches, doors slamming and both of them leaving the house in a rage. leaving my sister and me alone. I don't remember how old i was, no older than 4. My sister no older than 8. She was old enough to know to go to my neighbor's house for help. They didn't even like us (didn't like anyone really) but they took us in and put on a Disney movie while we waited for our parents to come home. Many of my early memories revolve around violent screaming matches, and getting second hand screamed at.
One way to look at things that has helped to healing for me, if i hadnt had gone through what i did, no matter how hard ... i wouldnt be the person i am today. It helps to find a sprinkle of gratitude in every little thing. Doesnt mean we have to accept & go on, just means we can change our outlooks. Hope that helps. Life is always going to be full of wish i would haves. Do your best & trust in God. That kind of love you felt by looking into faces? Just imagine ..... thats how God looks at you, every second of every day - just waiting to hear it back.
it's very heartwarming to both grow up watching your videos and now seeing you post updates about being able to experience so much happiness. Wishing you all the best :) I haven't kept up as much as I'd like, but it's kinda cool how my mind suddenly flashed to random weird memories of watching your videos in Alaska, a purple cow, and the 'gbye' at the end, I have not heard that in forever but I remember it !!!
Corey, I love watching your videos because you are so loving and caring with your family. You are someone I would be proud to call a friend. God bless you Corey and all of your family.
hi cory, as somebody who grew up with a really negative experience of my father, watching you be so great and gentle has really healed my perspective of the father role, and honestly makes me less afraid for the future, thank you for that.
Cory you are a great Dad. You’re a great person. Have you ever looked back into your ancestry because I’m almost certain there would have been some great Williams men along the way. Maybe a project for another day or maybe you’ve already done it. Part of the surname Williams means you are a protector. You may not have got that protection from your own father but you certainly provide it for your own children. God bless from Wales UK 🏴
I've been watching you on and off since the coolest sound ever video, the last episode I've probably seen when the oldest was probably a year, you and your wife are a beautiful couple and I wish you and your family good health and the best, P.S you're such a dad !
Cory you the most creative person on the internet i love your movies and your creativity, yes a Puppet just commented lol 😊 thanks for sharing your story you explained well so much emotions indeed.
Thank you for sharing your story, Cory. I've shared a bit of mine in reply to one of the comments below, but I too hit the crappy Dad lottery. I get where you're coming from. I'm in a similar place right now. I've got to that place of no return with my "Dad", where there will only be contact at family gatherings where he wouldn't dare behave the way he does behind closed doors. For me, I've found books helpful, but also my Christian faith. I'm not gonna preach to you here, just wanted to let you know my experience. I have plans to build myself up again & I have a great Church family who have been wonderful to me. Surround yourself with people who build you up & please do be nice to yourself right now. Going through these periods of healing is not easy. And hug your beautiful kids & wife. Whatever gets you through this. You will come out the other side of this & you'll be an even better version of you for it.
some people follow in the footsteps of their parents, others do their best not to. fortunately, you went the correct direction for the parent you were given. and if the story I'm remembering correctly was from you, you were lucky enough to wind up with a good step-parent to replace him
Wow. This is hard hitting. Your family is lucky to have your love Cory :) What you have been through has made you who you are today. It shouldn't have happened but it part of you and made you a more grateful and loving, kind person. Love to you and your family. x
Hey Cory, its been awhile since I last watched one of your vlogs. It's cool you're still doing YT and I hope all is well with you and the family. Lots of love guys,bye.
