*Will's father passed away in real life so I wrote about it here. I don't know much about why they got estranged and how they reconnected so this is my guess. For the longest time I thought Will's brother was from both parents (maybe it still is but idk tbh) so that's why I included him in chapters for years and gave him an alias name. Now I know his brother was from his Dad and will now use his real name. Idk if I'll keep the fake brother I made in the story or not I might to make it easier. 😅 Please send suggestions on what you wanna see! ❤️*
The video begins with Will sitting on the couch with Henry in his arms, feeding Henry a bottle.
"Hello, everyone. No time no see. I think the last time we were on here was when the kids went back to school we did a little vlog for their first day." Will says to the camera.
RJ joins Will and sits next to him, rubbing his back for support.
"By the title of this video you will probably be shocked, confused and sad for us which are all valid feelings. It's been a rough few weeks for our family and now we are ready to talk about it." RJ says as Will nods.
"Almost two years ago, my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called Glioblastoma and two weeks ago, he passed away. I've had a really hard time with it. It's been a rough year with losing Hank and now my dad, I'll definitely be going back to therapy again to help get through this. It's just been a lot but I am ready to talk about it some on here because I know you guys have seen the pictures on Instagram and are confused. If I was a fan of a YouTuber and their family I would be confused too." Will says as he wipes Henry's mouth before feeding him some more.
"This may come as a surprise to all of you because we never really talked about Will's dad except in the beginning of our YouTube channel, way before we got married. These past few years we have been reconnecting with Will's dad's side of the family and especially with Will's dad and stepmom. We haven't publicly talked about this because they are very private people and we respect their privacy very much, just like with the rest of our family. But we did film with them to make memories for our kids and for us." RJ explains.
"We started to reconnect right before Luca was born so almost four years ago. My dad remarried an incredible woman named Lynette and she actually contacted me on Facebook to try to get my dad and I to reconnect. I think my dad wanted to reconnect but didn't know how to even go about doing it and meanwhile I was just trying to live my life and heal from my childhood and raise my kids differently. So Lynette knew the situation with my dad and I somewhat, my older brother told her about it too and I feel like she kinda set them both straight and that's how we reconnected." Will says as RJ nods as Luci crawls over to him and RJ picks her up.
"We won't go into details because that's private information about why Will got estranged from his brother and dad but I think we talked about it a little bit before. It doesn't matter now because everyone has moved on and I'd say healed and now we have moved forward. Lynette actually said she and Will's dad Warren watched our vlogs to see the kids and to see us and to learn about them and us. Which kinda made us feel sad because that's not a way to know your grandkids, son and son-in-law." RJ says as Luci closes her eyes to fall asleep, causing Will to smile.
"We did talk about my dad and I but it was a longggggg time ago. Right before we got married I think. But I always kept a relationship with my brother Little Warren as he's called by everyone since he is named after my dad, but we weren't super close. However, we would talk occasionally and try to send each others kids presents. I'd say we are a lot closer now." Will says as Henry burps on Will's shoulder.
"Excuse you!" RJ says playfully to Henry, causing Will to laugh.
"And I also wanna say that I think I was able to even do this because I went through lots of therapy, lots of healing and self discovery. And maybe even growing up some and becoming a father myself. Oh and getting sober definitely helped as well." Will explains as he holds Henry and rubs his back.
"Someone's views on life and many other topics CAN change everybody. A lot of people don't, but some people can change into better people and that's what happened here." RJ says as he grabs Luci's favorite blanket to cover her up.
"The dad I knew as a preteen and teen was completely different then the dad I've had had these past four years and for that I'm so grateful. He and my mom talked for the first time in many years and everyone just healed and it was so special to see everyone talking again and being almost like a family." Will says and RJ nods.
"I think the first time we met up with Warren and Lynette was the Thanksgiving before Luca was born. We met up at their house and it was good! It was a little awkward but Lynette really made us feel like there wasn't an estrangement." RJ says as he kisses Luci's head.
"God they spoiled the kids ROTTEN that day. So much candy, sweets and toys. It was like Christmas." Will says as RJ chuckles.
"And since that day we have seen Warren and Lynette just as much as my parents and Hank and Karen." RJ says as Will nods in agreement.
"All of our parents have came here for family events and birthday parties for the kids. Everyone is civil and no arguments happen ever. We actually have a picture of Benji with all of his grandparents, his abuela Delores, abuelo Jorge, grandma Whitney, Nana Karen, Pop Hank, Poppa Warren and Mimi Lynette. Our kids are so lucky to have so many people love them." Will says as the picture of Benji with all of his grandparents is shown.
"Everytime we went to Florida, we would visit Will's mom's side and then my family and then we added visiting Will's dad, stepmom and his whole side. Lots of traveling when we went to Florida but it was worth it for the memories." RJ says to the camera.
"During this year, my dad's cancer got a lot worse and treatments weren't working anymore so we knew that the end was coming. This type of brain cancer is extremely aggressive and most people don't make it a long time. My dad lived longer than majority of people who are diagnosed with a GBM as it's called. Since I was pregnant we couldn't fly to visit until I gave birth and I was worried all of the time that my dad wouldn't make it to see Henry. But thankfully he did and I am so glad we got pictures and videos for Henry and for Luci to have." Will says as he begins to tear up as RJ rubs his back tenderly for support.
"In mid July, Will, the kids and I flew down to Florida to visit with Lynette and Warren and to basically have the kids say their goodbyes because at that point Warren had officially stopped cancer treatments and the tumor was starting to cause him to decline and decline really fast." RJ says as Will nods.
"We didn't tell the kids that this was a goodbye but I definitely know Benji knew and I think Coralei and Averie knew." Will explains as Henry coos.
"We really wanted Warren to be able to meet Henry and Luci since he hadn't had the chance yet. He only met them through Zoom. It was our mission to have this meeting happen before Warren declined even more." RJ explains as picture of Warren with Luci and Henry are shown.
"It was kind of a blessing that Henry was born early so we could fly down when we did to visit. And shoutout to my doctor for clearing me to fly despite not being six weeks postpartum yet. I was super sore after it but it was worth it to see my dad and for the kids to see him." Will says.
"So we stayed for a few days before heading home and on August 31st, Warren passed away. He died peacefully which is a good thing. He isn't suffering anymore. But we are all heartbroken." RJ says as Henry coos again, looking at the camera.
"A week ago, RJ, the kids and I all went back to Florida for my dad's viewing and funeral service and it was extremely hard. The last time we went to Florida was for Hank's viewing and funeral so to go there again for another funeral was just hard for all of us." Will says with a sigh.
A picture of Benji, Arya, Theodore, Harlow, Luci, RJ, Will, Henry, Averie, Luca, Oliver and Coralei all standing together outside the church is shown on the screen while Will and RJ talk.
*Benji, Coralei, Averie, Theodore and Harlow's funeral outfits*
*Luca, Luci, Arya, Oliver and Henry's funeral outfits*
"We promised the kids the next time we would go to Florida is for a holiday, probably Thanksgiving. We like being home for Christmas usually." RJ says and Will nods in agreement.
"My mom wants to fly to Florida again so she says she'll wait when we go so we can all fly down together. Flying with ten kids across the United States was WILD, but we did it! Lynette is actually planning on visiting us sometime in October too which is going to be nice. My dad wasn't able to really travel much after he was diagnosed so she hasn't seen all of the updates in our house." Will says as RJ nods.
"We hope our story shows that anybody can reconnect and that reconnection is possible." RJ says as Luci begins to suck her thumb in her sleep.
"I am just so grateful we were able to reconnect and for the kids to know their Poppa, Mimi, many uncles, aunts and many other family members. We will definitely stay connected to everyone. Lynette has been FaceTiming us everyday, I think seeing the kids makes her happy. She's a strong lady, she took care of my dad until the very end. She's just heartbroken but the kids give her some joy during the day." Will says as RJ nods.
"Looks like it's nap time for Luci and Henry. They both fell asleep on us." RJ says with a chuckle and Will smiles ear to ear.
"Well, I'm going to end this video here. We will be back for a more happier video soon." Will says as he waves goodbye to the camera and RJ waves goodbye as well.
Will and RJ turn the camera off and the vlog finishes with a picture of Warren with Benji, Coralei, Averie, Theodore, Harlow, Luca, Luci, Arya, Oliver and Henry.
This text comes up on the screen after the vlog finishes.
This part of the video was edited by RJ because seeing these videos make me tear up, but here are some of our favorite videos with my dad and the kids we want to share.
- Fishing with Benji, Teddy and Tripp -
"Whatcha get, Teddy? Did you get a fish?" Warren Jr asks Theodore.
"Yeah! Look!" Theodore says as he holds up the fish.
"Wow! That's a big one!" Warren Jr says to Theodore with a grin.
"I got one too! See Poppa!" Tripp says, holding up his small fish.
"That's a little ole baby, Tripp! Release that one okay?" Warren says as Tripp let's the baby fish go.
"Reel'em in, Benji! You got it!" Warren says, cheering Benji on.
"I got it!" Benji says with a big grin.
"That's a big one!" Warren says as he gives Benji a high five.
- Harlow riding on the Jeep with Warren -
"Weeeee!" Harlow squeals happily.
"Are you riding with Poppa?" Will asks Harlow as he vlogs them together.
"Yeah!" Harlow says with a big smile.
"You wanna drive, Harlow?" Warren asks Harlow and Harlow gets excited.
"YEAH!" Harlow yells happily.
Warren sits Harlow in his lap and Warren hits the pedal while Harlow steers, causing her to laugh loudly.
- Averie's 6th birthday -
"Let me see what you got, Avy!" Will says as he vlogs Averie opening up a present.
"Camo! Just like Poppa and Mimi wear!" Averie says as she holds up a camouflage shirt and pants set.
"Woah! That's so cool!" Will says as Averie giggles.
"Thank you, Mimi and Poppa!" Averie says to Lynette and Warren.
"You're welcome, birthday girl!" Warren says to Averie happily.
"You're welcome! You are gonna look sooo cute in that!" Lynette says to Averie.
- Meeting Luca -
"He's so much littler in person!" Lynette says as RJ hands her Luca.
"He's almost six pounds now!" Will says proudly.
"He looks like Will did as a baby, but smaller." Warren says with a big smile.
"Aww, does he?" Lynette asks Warren with a grin.
"I'll have to get a picture to show ya." Warren says as he rubs Luca's head softly.
- Christmas 2022 -
"Look what I got, Papi!" Harlow says, running over to RJ.
"Whatcha get?" RJ says as Harlow holds up a big horse.
"A horsey!" Harlow says as she gets excited.
"Woah, so cool!" RJ says as Harlow smiles.
"Say thank you to Mimi and Poppa!" Will says to Harlow, making sure she uses her manners.
Harlow runs over to thank Lynette and Warren, jumping on Warren's lap.
"Be careful! Don't jump on Poppa." Will says to Harlow a little sternly.
"He's used to it!" Lynette says playfully to Will and RJ.
- Shooting Bow and Arrows -
Will vlogs Warren bent down to Averie's level to help her with the bow and arrow.
"Ready? One, two, three!" Warren says as he and Averie shoot the arrow.
"Wow! You go girly!" Lynette cheers loudly.
"You almost got the bullseye, Avy! Awesome job, baby!" Will says as Averie giggles and smiles.
"Poppa is gonna help Coralei next! Ready, Coralei?" Warren says as Coralei walks over to him.
"Yes!" Coralei says as Warren bends down to Coralei's level.
"Ready? One, two, three!" Warren says as he and Coralei shoot the arrow.
"Woohoo! Almost at the bullseye too!" Lynette cheers Coralei and Coralei smiles ear to ear.
"Stand up like this, Benji. There you you go. Then pull it back." Warren says as Benji follows what he says and hits the bullseye.
"Bullseye!" Warren yells happily as he gives Benji a high five.
"Woohoo!" Benji cheers as he jumps up and down.
- Meeting Luci and Henry -
"Luci, who are you sitting with?" Will asks Luci softly as he vlogs the special moment knowing this will probably be the only time Luci and Henry will ever see him.
"Pop pa!" Luci says for the very first time as she smiles.
"Yeah! That's Poppa!" Will says as he tries to not tear up.
"Look at you talkin'! Cute little voice too!" Warren Jr. says in the background.
Luci then hugs Warren causing everyone to awe.
Warren rubs Luci's back as Luci smiles ear to ear.
The next clip is of Lynette holding Henry in her arms. She bends down to Warren who is sitting in a recliner and places Henry in his arms.
"This is little Henry, War. Will and RJ's new little one. He looks just like Will and Little Warren, huh?" Lynette says as she helps Warren hold Henry since his arm strength isn't all the way there anymore.
"So much hair!" Carly says as she smiles at baby Henry.
"All them babies came out with lots of hair, huh?" Lynette asks Will with a grin.
"So much hair I was sick every time." Will says as Lynette giggles.
- This next part is some of Will's dad's actual obituary. I just made it different and deleted people's last names and locations!
Warren G. Shepherd, Sr., 61 of Crawfordville, passed away at home, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Warren was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, hiking, and anything else that involved the outdoors. He worked as a supervisor for The City of Tallahassee, Waste Water Treatment Division for 34 years.
He is survived by his wife, Lynette; father, James Shepherd (Nell); mother, Margaret; sons, Warren (Carly) and Will (RJ); step-children, Mark, Mikel (Corey), Shelby (Tim), and Taryn; 16 grandchildren, Hunter, Tripp, Marc, Haiden, Rylan, Avery, Benjamin, Coralei, Averie, Theodore, Harlow, Luca, Lucille, Arya, Oliver and Henry; and great-granddaughter, Jackie.
*The first picture is of Warren and Will when Will was a little kid The second picture is of Warren holding Henry. You see the back of Warren's head and Henry sleeping in his arms. The third picture is of Oliver, Lynette, Arya and Warren all sitting together. Oliver is sitting on Lynette's lap and Arya is sitting on Warren's lap. The fourth picture is of Luci sitting on Warren's lap and she is laying in his chest. You see the back of Warren's head and Luci is smiling at the camera. The fifth picture is of Luca sitting on Warren's shoulders. The sixth picture is of Harlow and Warren kissing each other while Harlow wears a princess dress. The seventh picture is of Theodore and Warren riding in his Jeep together. The eighth picture is of Averie, Warren and Coralei holding hands as they walk around outside. The ninth picture is of Warren, Benji and Lynette at Benji's soccer championship game. The tenth picture is of Warren and Will*
shep689 today, I lost my dad.
we had a complicated relationship, but we loved each other fiercely. he taught me so many lessons I wouldn't grow to appreciate until I became a man, and I'm glad life (and Lynette) brought us back together.
for the past few years, I have been slowly reconnecting with my father. this was something I never thought would happen but life works in mysterious ways. my stepmother Lynette reached out to me first and helped get us talking again and I am forever thankful for this. despite the rough past we had, I know I had to do this for myself and for my children. they deserved to know their Poppa as they officially called him and a whole other side of their big family.
I didn't show this part of our life online to respect my dad's privacy and to help repair our relationship. maybe in the future I'll share the videos but right now it's too hard.
throughout this reconnection, he got to meet rj and he got to meet his grandchildren from me. he never thought I would have ten kids, same dad, same!
he loved benji, coralei, averie, teddy, harlow, luca, luci, arya, oli and henry very much, there was no doubt in my mind. I'm so happy we were able to head down to Florida a few weeks ago so he could meet Henry and Luci before he got to the end.
this is the man that taught me the value of hard work. to never give up. that if you wanted something, work for it, and have a blast while doing it because life is too short to worry about bullshit.
"one day, you're gonna leave Wakulla, but you'll never forget where you came from."
you were right, dad. thanks for everything. now get some rest, you deserve it.
love you, pops.
*Picture of Theodore, James, Luca, Warren Sr, Will, Henry, Warren Jr, Tripp and Benji. Will is holding Oliver*
shep689 four generations of shepherds.
my grandfather James, my dad, my brother Warren, myself, Tripp (Warren's son) Benji, Theodore, Luca, and Oliver. (Henry wasn't born yet but I was pregnant with him 😅)
*Picture of Coralei, Harlow, Luca, Arya, Lynette, Oliver, Warren, Henry, Theodore, Averie, Luci and Benji all squeezed on the couch and are sitting together. Arya and Oliver are sitting on Lynette's lap and Henry is being held by Warren*
shep689 the best Poppa around. And @lynette_shepherd is the best Mimi! We can't wait to see you soon 💙
*Picture of Benji, Arya, Theodore, Harlow, Luci, RJ, Will, Henry, Averie, Luca, Oliver and Coralei all standing together outside the church. RJ is holding Luci, Will is holding Henry, Benji, Arya, Theodore and Harlow are all holding hands and Averie, Luca, Oliver and Coralei are holding hands*
damnitrj At Will's father's funeral service today in our hometown. Celebrating his life with Will's whole father side of the family and meeting more family we haven't met yet! Two funerals in one year has been rough, especially on the kids losing two grandfathers.
Please donate (link on @shep689's page) to help fund research for Glioblastoma, the brain cancer Warren had. Also, check out our latest video on YouTube to see how we got here. Never thought we would be here but thankful we are here ❤️
*Picture of Benji, Arya, Theodore, Harlow, Luci, RJ, Will, Henry, Averie, Luca, Oliver and Coralei all standing together outside the church. RJ is holding Luci, Will is holding Henry, Benji, Arya, Theodore and Harlow are all holding hands and Averie, Luca, Oliver and Coralei are holding hands*
damnitrj Warren loved his grandchildren with everything he had and I know he fought with everything he had to be with our ten and his other six grandchildren and great granddaughter.
Benji, Coralei, Averie, Theodore, Harlow, Luca, Luci, Arya, Oliver and Henry have the best Poppa and Mimi ever ❤️ @lynette_shepherd, we can't wait for you to visit us in October! 😊
*The first picture is of Delores, Benji and Jorge all cooking in the kitchen. The second picture is of Luciana and Benji crocheting together. The third picture is of Whitney and Benji at a Garth Brooks concert. The fourth picture is of Karen, Benji and Hank at Benji's soccer game. The fifth picture is of Ricardo, Benji and Martha with their two dogs. One of the dogs is licking Benji, causing Benji to laugh. The sixth picture is of Benji and Grandma Janice sitting together on the couch. The seventh picture is of Warren and Benji fishing together. They are both holding the fish they caught. The eighth picture is of Lynette and Benji taking a selfie with Lynette's mom Starlene. The ninth picture is of Nell, James, Benji and Margaret together at Warren's funeral.*
benji1121 Grateful to have so many grandparents and great grandparents who love me 🫶🏻
Rip Grandma Janice, Pop and Poppa 👼🏻👼🏻👼🏻