Whoever dug this up, my Uncle Ste (My dad's brother) thanks you as we lost the DVD years ago. And for all those looking for an update on my brother and I, we are doing fine. I work full time for a solicitors firm based in Leeds City Centre and my brother is living in Leeds with his fiance. Our Nan, Doreen Taylor, sadly passed away earlier this year. The rest of the family are doing great, one of my cousins had two sons since the documentary and her sister married her partner this year. Thank you for your kind comments. I'd forgotten how embarrassingly naive I was back then, not to mention clueless. Still making up stories, still a voracious reader and still watching Hollyoaks. Went to Liverpool earlier this year and I plan on moving there once I have saved up enough. Won't be for a few years yet though.
Thank you for the update. Sad to hear about your nan. My condolences. It's good to know you and your brother are doing so well. This is one of my favorite docs. You and Jon-Jon were adorable and I cheered for you when you found your brother! Take care :)
i would really like to read some of what your wright. If you have it any where on the internet. I wright to escape reality myself and make up a nicer one..and i'm 25. i also rp and other things..i have/had problems with my parents growing up but never left cause here in the usa there isn't many places for kids to go and little help.
21 minutes in and all I see is a sweet young man with a good heart. I would be proud to call him my son. I hope he goes far in life. All the best Tony.
Him sitting down having donuts with his family and seeing how happy he was made me SO happy for him.. it's like he became complete. He has gone thru so much. He deserves to have joy in his life :)
probably one of the greatest documentaries i’ve ever seen. tony is such a beautiful person. he’s so strong, and i just pray that he’s doing well now. i related to his story in many ways regarding family life. truly amazing.
(15:54) After being turned away from a job-interview: "I don't see what's wrong with jeans. They're nice, they're smart and they're durable. And they don't stain easy either." So endearing. Perfectly sensible and perfectly untouched by the dreary dictates of the workaday world
I had a foster daughter who was never taught anything about always being clean and presentable. She did not know the basics about how to bathe ,care for hair or clothes. Within a week she learned not Leave the house , without a morning shower and clean stuff on. She is now off on her own & , has a lovely cat & a job and lots of friends, Doing great ☺️
Sometimes, we don't have to go to interview in a suit as it can also depend on the job, but watching Tony, he made an effort in looking smart, and also attending his interviews, this incredible young man certainly improved himself, and being supported by his mate, I think Tony became more extrovert and certainly a great human being.
I've been wanting to see the full episode. Thanks for uploading it. I work with Tony and he is in a better place. This was filmed in 2009 so he is now 26 years old.
Jon Jon had one job more (and interviewing experience, not to mention work-culture experience) working than Tony had, and as a friend, it was not his responsibility to raise him to become an adult or to educate him about how to interview or what he should expect once he begins to work. That is the parent's responsibility, not a friend's responsibility. Jon Jon seems to be doing some of the parenting of Tony that his parents failed to do, even though he is sleeping the day away a good deal of the time.
I also came here to say the same thing. That is the best line in the whole documentary, even better since the narrator pulled it off completely deadpan.
le th okay then why is JonJon living off Tony if he has so much experience? Smh. Tony commented on this video and said he gave JonJon the boot after this documentary aired. As he should. 😌
Tony has such an innocent vibe about him. He's so sweet and down to earth. Despite the hardships, he still remains to stay happy and carefree. I respect that a lot.
Watching and witnessing Tony's evolution from lost and hopeless to found and hopeful is so amazing! I hope he never contacts his mother again and just rebuilds his relationship with his brother and dad's family. His mother is clearly a trifling and wretched woman for throwing her two sons away when they were just little boys. I wish both Tony and Mark a happy bright future.
Now i dont think u should go there shes two amazing sons but be nice if bridges can be built you dont know What that mother was still may be going thru but she didnt murder or control them right its done them good not Harm you dont know full facts seriously some opinions suck
Joy Anne yep I lived in a tent for awhile hidden behind a rail road track and a fence enclosed with trees and a giant wall to keep the train quieter for the neighborhood on the other side.
Joy Anne: Young adults (that have been a ward of the State/County,etc.) in most States can get free/subsidized housing,welfare/food-stamps,Medicare,etc. until they turn 21 if they have a job, are in vocational training or are in school. And if they have some sort of Disability related to them being a Ward (when they were minors)....many are immediately eligible for SSI,etc. when they turn 18 and released from Local/State custody. So,the sappy stories you see and hear about here in the USA of our young adults coming out of Foster care,Institutions,etc....it's their ignorance,substance abuse,not abiding by Government aid guidelines,etc. We do take care of our kids when they turn 18; for the ones that got the horrible start in life...and then became Society's Dependent.
how can you go through so much adversity and still be the intensely, genuinely nice person that Tony is? It really goes to show that you can overcome anything, if you choose to.
In all fairness I think hes just a bit depressed himself and needs some guidance, I think he tried to sound happy for him, probably a bit of jealousy hidden down there
Loved what Tony says at the end, the words he uses to sum himself up, he sees himself as a bookcase now not just a pile of books on the floor. It was a perfect way to describe himself especially as he loved books so much. I really enjoyed this documentary. Glad Tony is doing well.
23:15. I love how sarcastic the narrator is. They didn't like Jon Jon either. I love how they said "basically Jon Jon knows so much about jobs because he's sold some damn cookies" lol
I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt until that “you want to be a librarian that’s nothing to be proud of”, so rude and uncalled for, and trying to say he had no care for his appearance behind his back and stuff like that, only 12 minutes in and I feel like he’s lost my respect pretty permanently
@@amandanay8035 I have partially sighted friends who are work in libraries they are good a it and love it. I was going to work In my local library but covid hit before i could fill in the Dbs and do the induction.
i really do adore how this film started out with the setup of "I need to be good enough to see my mom again" and we expect a reunion, and then Tony finds his lost family of his brother/dad's side, and it concludes with him meeting them where they accept him as he is (when Tony tries to play down his new job and his brother immediately responds with "well it's a job, innit?" and (from his update) it appears as though his family is accepting of his sexuality and being). His house also begins by looking a little ragged around the edges and ends up looking modern and beautiful. He even ends it by saying "I don't regret leaving my mom" like.... I'm so happy that we're so lucky to see his period of growth for this kid. I watch these documentaries often but this is by far my favorite. Tony, I've read your update and watched this whole video, and I truly hope that you've continued to be able to flourish as the sweet guy you are. I'm happy that the last decade has been kind to you and your brother, and I believe that for such a truly good person such as yourself, only truly good things will happen. From a queer 19 year old from NYC who ran away from her own family home, with love, julie.
When Nan said "he's going to get spoiled" I was so happy finally :) What a sweet young man throughout all his troubles. Both the brothers. Heart warming and so so so glad he found love.
So, Jon-Jon lives for free and lives off of Tony's check, and he sits there telling Tony the particular foods (he bought with Tony's money) that are *his,* and that Tony can "help himself" to anything else. WTF?
mria621 I love how the producers of the show dissed him. When he (narrator) said Jon Jon is an expert at jobs because he's worked with cookies and then Jon Jon started giving advice to tony about what to do... That was hilarious. You could tell how sarcastic the narrator was.
That was an arrangement between them and if it wasn't for Jon-Jon , Tony wouldn't have had anyone in the world and probably wouldn't have gotten the get up and go in him if he didn't have him with him.
mria621 that’s what I’m saying his b____ a___ would be homeless and starving without tony. He has no job but is telling Tony he needs to work on his people skills🙄...while he sleeps all day and mooches off him
Lots of young men go through this antagonizing, bullying stage, especially when they are envious of their close peers. Hopefully, he's grown up a lot since filming..... and stopped taking frigging horse tranquilizers.
Oh I just adore that gorgeous boy! Shame on his mother, you can’t call her a mother! Tony is just so pure of heart and sweet, I am so pleased he found his brother and his Dad’s family. I wish him and his brother all the happiness and love in the world, bless him!
38 mins through, this is hitting me right in the feels. Tony is so grounded and an inspiration. He would be the most amazing support worker for underprivileged children and young adults with special needs. Pays well in London too. He has so much drive... So lovely to see in a young person.
My wife and I watched this and she was continually looking at me to see when I'd start crying. What a story. I really hope Tony and Mark are doing well. And that Johno, the little know-it-all, has buggered off.
@@anthonytaylor1723 yes he was taking advantage but you let him. I truly think he cared for you and maybe rethink your relationship. Really he helped you when you needed. I hope you two reconnect. Maybe he's up on his feet and realized where you are coming from. I pray you are well.
Does anyone else hate Jon Jon? He lives off of Tony, does nothing to contribute, no job, and on top of it all is constantly criticizing the poor kid. I hope Tony's in a better situation now.
senegalus I don't hate him, because he is a Good friend for Tony. He cares about him and they lived like brothers. Don't hate him, he is just a confuse kid
This is such a lovely but bittersweet story. I'm a mom to three fantastic sons & I would absolutely do ANYTHING for my children. This program made my heart ache for Tony & his brother. Having children is the single most fulfilling thing I've ever done with my life; I cannot comprehend how a mother could just toss away her children like rubbage. I hope so much that Tony, his brother & his father's loving family are all doing well & offering each other the love & support we all need & desire. Tony has such a beautiful nature & I hope he soon learns for himself how truly amazing he is. It would be amazing to see an update on the family.
Wow they are soo similar like twins. They both had the same haircut in their profiles and when they met up they have long hair. Both struggling with getting a job. These guys were meant to met. That what I call fate of destiny.
I was so happy for him when he found his brother and then his dad's family, because that love he gained from each helped him radiate… newly found strength and inner peace!
This was a moving documentary. You and your brother were so young to be dealt the hand you were given. You came out of it wonderfully. Congratulations Tony and to your brother Mark. Wishing you every success and happiness. (from Canada)
Tony seems like a nice, intelligent kid, even if a little too trusting and dependent. His mom must be doing something wrong to have 2 of her kids run away. Also instead of looking for a librarian job, he should work in a book store. It requires fewer qualifications.
Really happy this young lad has found his family. I found my dad and brothers after 39 years and not one of them wanted to know. Tonys family are great people , I wish them all the best.
As soon as I heard you say if you don't find your family you'll get one, one of your own, I was thinking yes you can join my family anyday! Please publish your poems and use this documentary to your fullest...your so charismatic and just pleasant! I wish you happiness above everything as you deserve it! All the best..bless you.
This struck a lot of emotions within myself. I've ridden this ride, with my own life, not to the degree as this film, but enough to conjure demons of my own past. I'm an old man now, but, I still have feelings. Thank you for so openly sharing.
Why couldnt Jon Jon get some respect? He kept the house going until Tony got on his feet. Food and Bills first then junk. I dont know why he didnt get benefits though.
Wow when he didn't complain his Christmas alone, but immediately thought of how he could buy them gifts this coming Christmas. I'm just thrilled for him. I'm so glad I watched this.
At first I thought that Jon Jon was helpful to Tony by helping him spend wisely. As I get further into Tony's story, I see how JJ reacted when Tony got the job and was really disappointed. He seemed pissed and jealous. I'm so glad that Tony found his brother. What a lovely phone call, On another note, I was so sad to see the squalor that Tony and JJ lived in. Both in their flat, and in the flat they removed the washing machine from. It was something out of a third world country and I couldn't imagine that happening in my community. ( I live in rural Canada)
I think Jon Jon is a nice person at heart but is someone who was still very childlike at the time. I think he's just quite lazy and was hoping that he could continue to just live with his friend and do nothing.
The squalor they lived in and their personal hygiene was horrific, that poor poor kitty should have been removed from them, they weren't fit to look after themselves or their home let alone another being, an entirely defenceless innocent being at that
Love it when Tony gets the bar job and almost skips across the car park and cannot stop saying “I’ve got a job!”. I chortled away all by myself watching that. Wonderful, too, that the two brothers were reunited.
What a heartwarming story to see him at the end find his family. So glad he found his brother---now he has what he's been looking for. He's so sweet and kind and I wish only the best for him. God guide his steps as he continues on his journey
Linda Dobson That's what I was thinking especially when Jon went to the market and comes back talking about what Tony can & can't have when HIS money paid for it all
Agreed. And when he told Tony "Stop bitching" just because Tony put his foot down and said he would not allow black emulsion to be painted 'all over' HIS apartment - I felt really pissed. I think Tony let him off easy because he wanted JonJon to be an adoptive brother - and he probably thought it was normal for a 'brother' to be snarky like that. But the reality is - if I said something like that to my own blood siblings if I stayed in their homes and behaved the same way about the wall paint, I'd obviously expect them to call me out for being so rude and bossy. JonJon was taking advantage of Tony's kindness. JJ acted nice here and there, but I suspect he was just gaslighting sweet lonely Tony. He should count himself lucky Tony even said he could have his bedroom black - most people wouldn't even allow their friends to decide that.
Reading a lot of very negative comments on Jon Jon here (maybe he was'nt perfect and all that but...) and they are way too mean in my opinion, like mobbing him out. Everybody loves the cute and lovely guy, let's go jump on the other one, hey? (No) He might be reading here, what do you know? He seemed depressed (clinically) to me - if that was the case I hope life have turned to the better for him too. Really good docu, glad I got to see it. Stumbled upon it. Really like the starting picture of Tony with a red umbrella. Sweeet! The best to you all guys!
I just found some of your poems online and I liked them. You must be in your 30s now. I really hope you have been doing well. You came across as such a kind person and you had such a hard time and yet managed to stay really great. I wish you all the best.
My heart broke for this lad, then it filled with joy when seeing him with his brother and family! I can't believe how exactly alike in every way the 2 are!! Jon Jon is a bad friend, he just belittles him and keeps him thinking he needs him all the time! Typical user! So glad it ended in such a great way! Xx
I have just watched this and when you found your brother and your dad’s side of the family i was so happy for you. You both come across as lovely young boys trying to find your way around this planet despite the early struggles. I wish you both well in the future. X
I'm so happy for Tony that he found his place in the world! He really deserves to be happy! I'm glad he found his brother and his dad's side of the family too.
To hear a child say he wants to see his mum but he’s worried what she’ll think of him 😩😢 any decent mum will always love you, I wish all children knew this
Anthony, thank-you for sharing your life. I am so impressed with the way you figured your way through rejection and such a difficult situation. You look back at this documentary and think you were naive, I think you were incredibly mature and resilient for your age. I'm sorry to hear that your Nan passed, but glad you got to meet her. Did you get to have Christmas together? Hope so. I trust life is being kinder to you now. This grandma, many miles away, would be proud to welcome such an interesting and delightful soul into my family. Wishing many good things to come.
I started watching this with a feeling of dread of feeling very uncomfortable, but I actually am very glad I saw it through and have been left feeling quite emotional...I grew up in a similar northern english town a generation earlier than Tony and had my share of time having left home, on the dole, in and out of menial bar jobs...but with optimism for the future...it all seems so long ago and far away...I hope Tony (and the other 2) are doing well and have found whatever they have been looking for.....Richard 46 (Hong Kong)
Man this made me teary. Such a lovely soul is Tony. So glad it worked out for him and his brother. Wonderful that neither seemed bitter and angry. All the best guys if you see this xx
I LOVE this store. I watched this twice. Tony is a great kid and he deserves a good life. I wish nothing but the best for him, his bro and family. He’s got a good heart.
oh god i was so happy when he got the job, he may have been lazy and not bothered to work in the past but when he started trying he got so likable. just an honest guy whos made a lot of misstakes in his life but is trying to turn it around
What mistakes? Leaving his abusive mother? That was no mistake. Going to school? That was no mistake either. It wasn't even a mistake to let Jon-Jon in, for he needed someone at that time and in his own - rather selfish - way Jon-Jon did contribute exactly what Tony lacked then. After school he looked for a job and got one and kept it. Then he went looking for his family, found them and blended in. And he was smart enough not to go back to his abusive mother. I don't seek 'a lot of mistakes'. I see a lovely guy, who's trying to make the best of life. The dirty room is a totally normal stage in the lives of many teenagers, most grow out of it more or less. And so did he.
This is the most beautiful, heart warming story I've seen in a very LONG time. 💕💕 I was crying with happiness! I hope the brothers make up for lost time with their nan and that side of the family - obviously, their mother doesn't deserve another thought ... imo
Tony is such a unique, imaginative soul and his brother Mark is also seems so creative & put together, despite what they have both been through. When they were reading their poetry it was really touching, the words they had written raw… I hope they are still writing, what a fantastic outlet they both had 🙂 I can imagine them doing something creative in life. I had the feeling not everything about their childhoods was told, but even reading through the lines you can see that both brothers are better off without their mother. Their fathers side of the family seem so welcoming, I genuinely teared up during their reunion. His Nan seems like such a lovely woman. Those two were (are) so incredibly resilient & you could see from their attitudes that they are better than the cr@p they’ve been put through. They’ll go far, I’m sure of it. Wishing them both the absolute best because they both deserve it after what they’ve been through. Hopefully they are doing great 😌
Its really sad that Tony had to really grow up alone . I always say that having a child does NOT make you a mother.. Its parenting and being a positive role model..showing unconditional love and guidance thru a childs life that does. He seems like a sweet young man and really hope he cam fill his life with positive people that love him for who he is. Am intelligent caring amd warm hearted young man. Really loved tbis story!!! Just want Tony to know..the bad things that happened in his life DOES NOT make him a bad person. You are tje writer of your own story and it can be GREAT just like you!!! 😘
I dont know....both of the "boys", Tony and Mark seem here to have a really lovely way about them. They genuinely appear both loving and caring towards each other. and in general. Awesome to see especially given the situation of their separation as young kids their ability to be so open is beautiful. Both that and the guys love of books and poetry may be on some level genetic but although it sounds as though home life was "challenging" (I left home at 15...) it seems there must have been things that their mother did do right. Mark was parented by her till around 9yrs and Tony till 16 and I simply dont believe that both would be so real and 'good' without some positive nurture - though perhaps Mark just happened to luck out with his foster situations? I prefer to believe that they had at least some positive maternal love and care which helped them to choose to become what appears to be lovely young guys. Though obviously they had a choice and chose well.
Aw I loved this. I wish him and his brother the best, I'm sorry about your farther, but I'm glad you've found your family. If you ever read this, then you know you can choose your family, Jon Jon and the new family you have. You deserve to be around people who love and support you for you
Anthony, loved the documentary! Terrific to hear that you and your family are doing well. I see that you have taken your dad's name, first class by you. Wishing you every success!!!
its so sad to see situations like this and young people forced to figure out their way all due to parents not wanting to be parents. God bless his friend John John
Loved his story watching at 1am inst3ad of sleeping,so worth it. He is such a good nice person. Didn't know about not wearing jeans to a job interview cause no one told him.
Having no family at all, this made me laugh and cry, awesome kids, all of them! Turn in to fine young man i would say. Glad he found the missing part of his family
Whoever dug this up, my Uncle Ste (My dad's brother) thanks you as we lost the DVD years ago. And for all those looking for an update on my brother and I, we are doing fine. I work full time for a solicitors firm based in Leeds City Centre and my brother is living in Leeds with his fiance. Our Nan, Doreen Taylor, sadly passed away earlier this year. The rest of the family are doing great, one of my cousins had two sons since the documentary and her sister married her partner this year.
Thank you for your kind comments. I'd forgotten how embarrassingly naive I was back then, not to mention clueless. Still making up stories, still a voracious reader and still watching Hollyoaks. Went to Liverpool earlier this year and I plan on moving there once I have saved up enough. Won't be for a few years yet though.
Anthony Taylor that's brilliant news and thank you for the update, was really desperate to hear how you were doing x
Glad to hear
Thank you for the update. Sad to hear about your nan. My condolences. It's good to know you and your brother are doing so well. This is one of my favorite docs. You and Jon-Jon were adorable and I cheered for you when you found your brother! Take care :)
Hahah you were a little cutie. Glad to hear you're doing well
i would really like to read some of what your wright. If you have it any where on the internet. I wright to escape reality myself and make up a nicer one..and i'm 25. i also rp and other things..i have/had problems with my parents growing up but never left cause here in the usa there isn't many places for kids to go and little help.
21 minutes in and all I see is a sweet young man with a good heart. I would be proud to call him my son. I hope he goes far in life. All the best Tony.
Mrs S he doesn't need love. He needs discipline! Pathetic this over protected generation
ofniethe who over protected him?
He really has a lovely heart very kind indeed
ofniethe ... bitter much?
he’s been without his family since 15 years old ...
@Mrs S yeah I'd love to know what she did like the two of them running away is strange but there both lovely guy's so she did something right
I adore this kid. What a bright, imaginative, and beautiful personality. I'm impressed by how much he reads and writes.
My sister would be proud of Tony and I would say that he's more intellectual than Jon Jon
"Are you smoking CRACK?"
Tony: "Nah we're just looking at the clouds" :)
Oddly sweet moment.
Loved it
"My names Tony. Everyone calls me Tony." I loved that.
Him sitting down having donuts with his family and seeing how happy he was made me SO happy for him.. it's like he became complete. He has gone thru so much. He deserves to have joy in his life :)
Rose Gold Exactly he seem like such a sweet person and now he probably Feels accepted
Malin Johansson yes! I agree 🙂
Rose Gold um their enclaires
Gabrielle Wallace um it’s “they’re”
Christian Dimayuga Ummmmmmm...mmm 1. You're not valid. 2. This isn't even your comment to respond to. 3. YOU'RE cancelled.
probably one of the greatest documentaries i’ve ever seen. tony is such a beautiful person. he’s so strong, and i just pray that he’s doing well now. i related to his story in many ways regarding family life. truly amazing.
you're such a beautiful person so can you give me your snapchat please
(15:54) After being turned away from a job-interview: "I don't see what's wrong with jeans. They're nice, they're smart and they're durable. And they don't stain easy either." So endearing. Perfectly sensible and perfectly untouched by the dreary dictates of the workaday world
I had a foster daughter who was never taught anything about always being clean and presentable. She did not know the basics about how to bathe ,care for hair or clothes. Within a week she learned not Leave the house , without a morning shower and clean stuff on. She is now off on her own & , has a lovely cat & a job and lots of friends, Doing great ☺️
Sometimes, we don't have to go to interview in a suit as it can also depend on the job, but watching Tony, he made an effort in looking smart, and also attending his interviews, this incredible young man certainly improved himself, and being supported by his mate, I think Tony became more extrovert and certainly a great human being.
@@blazefairchild465 go to therapy nobody needs to shower every morning unless they have ocd
@@beckstyles3467 why exactly would that mean they need to go to therapy? alot of people start to smell after 24h without a shower lad
@@beckstyles3467so u like having doo doo crusts and dirty nails then. Nice . Don’t come near me
I've been wanting to see the full episode. Thanks for uploading it. I work with Tony and he is in a better place. This was filmed in 2009 so he is now 26 years old.
thank you for the latest..such an endearing young man..:)
Wow say hi to him!! It's a really inspiring story. Does he still write poems?
He's already commented on here.
Parknest How brilliant. Things work in mysterious ways. Glad to hear hes where he needed❤❤❤
Parknest. I hope Tony is happy and healthy. What an amazing person!
“Jon Jon once had a job selling cookies. So he’s quite an expert in the field of work” lol the shadeeeee 😂
Came here to say the same thing 😂😂😂
Jon Jon had one job more (and interviewing experience, not to mention work-culture experience) working than Tony had, and as a friend, it was not his responsibility to raise him to become an adult or to educate him about how to interview or what he should expect once he begins to work. That is the parent's responsibility, not a friend's responsibility.
Jon Jon seems to be doing some of the parenting of Tony that his parents failed to do, even though he is sleeping the day away a good deal of the time.
I also came here to say the same thing. That is the best line in the whole documentary, even better since the narrator pulled it off completely deadpan.
Don't ever underestimate a cookie salesman 😀
le th okay then why is JonJon living off Tony if he has so much experience? Smh. Tony commented on this video and said he gave JonJon the boot after this documentary aired. As he should. 😌
A great kid,no drugs,no gangs,naive,lovely,respectful..I wish he was my son.Happy to know he's been doing good,he deserves all the best.
😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Tony has such a childlike imagination. It's very endearing to watch.
Vanessa Vestal youtube
Tony Aleong Snapchat
Epitome of what is wrong with Millennial's. The idea of working all day 5 days a week was such a shock!
@@nunyabuisness7552 ok boomer
@@nunyabuisness7552 b o o m e r
Aww “i never had a nan on me phone before” I cried so happy for you Tony
Tony has such an innocent vibe about him. He's so sweet and down to earth. Despite the hardships, he still remains to stay happy and carefree. I respect that a lot.
Watching and witnessing Tony's evolution from lost and hopeless to found and hopeful is so amazing! I hope he never contacts his mother again and just rebuilds his relationship with his brother and dad's family. His mother is clearly a trifling and wretched woman for throwing her two sons away when they were just little boys. I wish both Tony and Mark a happy bright future.
Now i dont think u should go there shes two amazing sons but be nice if bridges can be built you dont know What that mother was still may be going thru but she didnt murder or control them right its done them good not Harm you dont know full facts seriously some opinions suck
@@rachelembleton6071 behave. The mother is useless.
Was surprised he had an apartment. He would be on the streets in the US.
Joy Anne yep I lived in a tent for awhile hidden behind a rail road track and a fence enclosed with trees and a giant wall to keep the train quieter for the neighborhood on the other side.
It was admittedly very fun at times. Really rough at others.
Me too. Like he had it all, nice furniture, all of his books and clothes and electricity and water
The Queen Of Fabalous Would you rather a bunch of homeless teens and people on the street then?
Joy Anne:
Young adults (that have been a ward of the State/County,etc.) in most States can get free/subsidized housing,welfare/food-stamps,Medicare,etc. until they turn 21 if they have a job, are in vocational training or are in school.
And if they have some sort of Disability related to them being a Ward (when they were minors)....many are immediately eligible for SSI,etc. when they turn 18 and released from Local/State custody.
So,the sappy stories you see and hear about here in the USA of our young adults coming out of Foster care,Institutions,etc....it's their ignorance,substance abuse,not abiding by Government aid guidelines,etc.
We do take care of our kids when they turn 18; for the ones that got the horrible start in life...and then became Society's Dependent.
how can you go through so much adversity and still be the intensely, genuinely nice person that Tony is? It really goes to show that you can overcome anything, if you choose to.
Because not everyone is entitled. And maybe he wasn't always like this
Agree with tony even if he struggled for starters but hr never give up or went smoking weed with jon jon🚬🤔🙄
look at that other boy giving tony advice when he doing nothing himself .
He didn't seem too excited for Tony either...
In all fairness I think hes just a bit depressed himself and needs some guidance, I think he tried to sound happy for him, probably a bit of jealousy hidden down there
Loved what Tony says at the end, the words he uses to sum himself up, he sees himself as a bookcase now not just a pile of books on the floor. It was a perfect way to describe himself especially as he loved books so much. I really enjoyed this documentary. Glad Tony is doing well.
Alternative title: The world according to Jon-Jon
23:15. I love how sarcastic the narrator is. They didn't like Jon Jon either. I love how they said "basically Jon Jon knows so much about jobs because he's sold some damn cookies" lol
subtle as a brick. But delivered perfectly.
I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt until that “you want to be a librarian that’s nothing to be proud of”, so rude and uncalled for, and trying to say he had no care for his appearance behind his back and stuff like that, only 12 minutes in and I feel like he’s lost my respect pretty permanently
@@amandanay8035 I have partially sighted friends who are work in libraries they are good a it and love it. I was going to work In my local library but covid hit before i could fill in the Dbs and do the induction.
i really do adore how this film started out with the setup of "I need to be good enough to see my mom again" and we expect a reunion, and then Tony finds his lost family of his brother/dad's side, and it concludes with him meeting them where they accept him as he is (when Tony tries to play down his new job and his brother immediately responds with "well it's a job, innit?" and (from his update) it appears as though his family is accepting of his sexuality and being). His house also begins by looking a little ragged around the edges and ends up looking modern and beautiful. He even ends it by saying "I don't regret leaving my mom" like.... I'm so happy that we're so lucky to see his period of growth for this kid. I watch these documentaries often but this is by far my favorite. Tony, I've read your update and watched this whole video, and I truly hope that you've continued to be able to flourish as the sweet guy you are. I'm happy that the last decade has been kind to you and your brother, and I believe that for such a truly good person such as yourself, only truly good things will happen. From a queer 19 year old from NYC who ran away from her own family home, with love, julie.
Julie O , beautiful message .. I wish all the best to you to.
Julie, your beautiful spirit radiates from this comment. You've touched my heart with your kindness. ♡
Tony seems like a genuinely sweet kid
He's gone through so much and so many changes and he still sings as he skips around after getting a job.
I agree
When Nan said "he's going to get spoiled" I was so happy finally :) What a sweet young man throughout all his troubles. Both the brothers. Heart warming and so so so glad he found love.
So, Jon-Jon lives for free and lives off of Tony's check, and he sits there telling Tony the particular foods (he bought with Tony's money) that are *his,* and that Tony can "help himself" to anything else. WTF?
mria621 I love how the producers of the show dissed him. When he (narrator) said Jon Jon is an expert at jobs because he's worked with cookies and then Jon Jon started giving advice to tony about what to do... That was hilarious. You could tell how sarcastic the narrator was.
23:15
Jon Jon is now an existentialist working as a life coach for wayward teenagers. Do not eat his peanut butter, or wake his black soul up!
That was an arrangement between them and if it wasn't for Jon-Jon , Tony wouldn't have had anyone in the world and probably wouldn't have gotten the get up and go in him if he didn't have him with him.
mria621 that’s what I’m saying his b____ a___ would be homeless and starving without tony. He has no job but is telling Tony he needs to work on his people skills🙄...while he sleeps all day and mooches off him
Jon Jon is the typical 'know it all' kind of guy that actually doesn't know anything at all..
Jon Jon reminds me of Jay from The Inbetweeners :-D
Yes! lol perfect comparison
Lots of young men go through this antagonizing, bullying stage, especially when they are envious of their close peers. Hopefully, he's grown up a lot since filming..... and stopped taking frigging horse tranquilizers.
He's a wrongun and a sponger!! Loving it that Tony might get a job so he'll have more money to sponge.
@@1987klr if you look on the comments he commented he works for a solicitor firm now mabie don't judge others
Oh I just adore that gorgeous boy! Shame on his mother, you can’t call her a mother! Tony is just so pure of heart and sweet, I am so pleased he found his brother and his Dad’s family. I wish him and his brother all the happiness and love in the world, bless him!
38 mins through, this is hitting me right in the feels. Tony is so grounded and an inspiration. He would be the most amazing support worker for underprivileged children and young adults with special needs. Pays well in London too. He has so much drive... So lovely to see in a young person.
I was So so sad for him at the beginning but by the end I was almost in tears of joy. His life truly got flipped. So happy for him
My wife and I watched this and she was continually looking at me to see when I'd start crying. What a story. I really hope Tony and Mark are doing well. And that Johno, the little know-it-all, has buggered off.
He got the boot after this was filmed. My family helped me see how much he was taking advantage
So happy to hear you're doing well Tony. Sorry to hear about your Nan though. Take care mate.
@@anthonytaylor1723 his Tony, do you still have your kitty? She is so precious and absolutely beautiful 😍💕❤
@@anthonytaylor1723 Just seen this amazing doc starring you, so glad you are doing well, you deserve nothing but good things in life xx
@@anthonytaylor1723 yes he was taking advantage but you let him. I truly think he cared for you and maybe rethink your relationship. Really he helped you when you needed. I hope you two reconnect. Maybe he's up on his feet and realized where you are coming from. I pray you are well.
Poor dear, no one to love him and guide him properly.
I'm so glad they all found each other. What a blessing. Tony was alone all that time--but no longer. ♥️
NO he had his m8 jon jon to keep him away from the suicide bug.
"Jon Jon once had a job selling cookies so he's quite an expert on the world of work." That made me laugh.
Once means he lost that job and telling Tony not to lose his job, basically Tony is more clever than Jon Jon
Does anyone else hate Jon Jon? He lives off of Tony, does nothing to contribute, no job, and on top of it all is constantly criticizing the poor kid. I hope Tony's in a better situation now.
they are friends.
senegalus yes me too and plus the better staff is his from Tony money
Jon Jon a blood sucker
senegalus o
senegalus I don't hate him, because he is a Good friend for Tony. He cares about him and they lived like brothers. Don't hate him, he is just a confuse kid
@@MagaIstvan nope no friend ....jon jon is a user n a low life ... friends dont put friends down ...
This is such a lovely but bittersweet story. I'm a mom to three fantastic sons & I would absolutely do ANYTHING for my children. This program made my heart ache for Tony & his brother. Having children is the single most fulfilling thing I've ever done with my life; I cannot comprehend how a mother could just toss away her children like rubbage. I hope so much that Tony, his brother & his father's loving family are all doing well & offering each other the love & support we all need & desire. Tony has such a beautiful nature & I hope he soon learns for himself how truly amazing he is. It would be amazing to see an update on the family.
.....rubbage???
Wow they are soo similar like twins. They both had the same haircut in their profiles and when they met up they have long hair. Both struggling with getting a job. These guys were meant to met. That what I call fate of destiny.
Or serendipity
I was actually just finishing sixth form college at the time. Later went into another college
How Tony’s brother soothed him as they say in front of their father’s grave. So many years apart, yet still so close
I know this is from 09 but I just want to hug him super tightly until he squeeks.
Same exact feeling I got🤗
How could a mom throw her wonderful sons away? Breaks my heart, much love and hope for a beautiful future
I was so happy for him when he found his brother and then his dad's family, because that love he gained from each helped him radiate… newly found strength and inner peace!
What an amazing smile Tony has! I would be proud to have Tony and Mark as my sons. Wish you both forever happiness!
This was a moving documentary. You and your brother were so young to be dealt the hand you were given. You came out of it wonderfully. Congratulations Tony and to your brother Mark. Wishing you every success and happiness. (from Canada)
His mother is really missing out on a fine young man. He just needs a bit of guidance and confidence. He's really adorable!
Tony seems like a nice, intelligent kid, even if a little too trusting and dependent. His mom must be doing something wrong to have 2 of her kids run away. Also instead of looking for a librarian job, he should work in a book store. It requires fewer qualifications.
Yeah, you need a Masters degree to be a librarian and even then, it's hard to find a job.
Tony works for a solicitor (attorney) now. He and his brother (whose engaged) are doing great. :)
Intelligent? In what world?
@@leannemo7382 I find that hard to believe, unless he is the Janitor
@@bettyechols6405 he isn't an attorney he works for a solicitors firm perhaps on reception or something but who knows he could have gotten a degree.
Really happy this young lad has found his family. I found my dad and brothers after 39 years and not one of them wanted to know. Tonys family are great people , I wish them all the best.
This gave me goose bumps along with happy tears , I'm so happy for the boys , everyone needs someone ,thank you for uploading ! ❤️🇨🇦🙏🏽🇨🇦❤️
One of the most heart-wrenching documentaries. Poor Tony. At least he found his brother. At last he has family. May God Bless them both.
As soon as I heard you say if you don't find your family you'll get one, one of your own, I was thinking yes you can join my family anyday!
Please publish your poems and use this documentary to your fullest...your so charismatic and just pleasant! I wish you happiness above everything as you deserve it! All the best..bless you.
This struck a lot of emotions within myself. I've ridden this ride, with my own life, not to the degree as this film, but enough to conjure demons of my own past. I'm an old man now, but, I still have feelings. Thank you for so openly sharing.
Tony and his brother even walk the same! Love is great. I wanna be their friend! 😍🤗😍
I'm so glad he found his family. Best of luck to them all in future.
“Clouds look like clouds” - JonJon
Luke Foster 🤣🤣👍🏼
Why couldnt Jon Jon get some respect? He kept the house going until Tony got on his feet. Food and Bills first then junk. I dont know why he didnt get benefits though.
Tony is such a lovely lad. I hope he's doing well.
Pinky Dash II
Wow when he didn't complain his Christmas alone, but immediately thought of how he could buy them gifts this coming Christmas. I'm just thrilled for him. I'm so glad I watched this.
+Real Stories, this is one of the BEST documentaries you've done. This was so surprisingly heartwarming. Excellent documentary work.
At first I thought that Jon Jon was helpful to Tony by helping him spend wisely. As I get further into Tony's story, I see how JJ reacted when Tony got the job and was really disappointed. He seemed pissed and jealous.
I'm so glad that Tony found his brother. What a lovely phone call,
On another note, I was so sad to see the squalor that Tony and JJ lived in. Both in their flat, and in the flat they removed the washing machine from. It was something out of a third world country and I couldn't imagine that happening in my community. ( I live in rural Canada)
I think Jon Jon is a nice person at heart but is someone who was still very childlike at the time. I think he's just quite lazy and was hoping that he could continue to just live with his friend and do nothing.
I felt jonjon was jealous too...
The squalor they lived in and their personal hygiene was horrific, that poor poor kitty should have been removed from them, they weren't fit to look after themselves or their home let alone another being, an entirely defenceless innocent being at that
If you pay your gas bill to FortisBC or Pacific Northern, you don't live rural. Rural starts where the methane gas ends and the propane begins.
The brothers are so alike!
Fascinating documentary, glad that you found each other.
What a nice kid..I wish the best for him
He came out well from it. I loved his Cat.
I’m so pleased to hear that the young man in the documentary found his family and I wish him every success in his life.
"I take a lot of pride in how I look and what I wear." Umm, you guys look exactly the same..
His hair be looking like it went skinny dipping in a grease pool
They're sweet. Reminds me of the tv show "the odd couple".
No. I think tony has a better style on what and how to wear than john john. 😂
@@dekup9000 and that's all u notice shallow or what
Love it when Tony gets the bar job and almost skips across the car park and cannot stop saying “I’ve got a job!”. I chortled away all by myself watching that. Wonderful, too, that the two brothers were reunited.
What a heartwarming story to see him at the end find his family. So glad he found his brother---now he has what he's been looking for. He's so sweet and kind and I wish only the best for him. God guide his steps as he continues on his journey
Made me cry. Tony is adorable. Would love a brother like him! Hope he found happiness and kept it
Awww....I think he's so sweet!. And why didn't jonjon get a job? He's happy to live on Tony??!
Linda Dobson That's what I was thinking especially when Jon went to the market and comes back talking about what Tony can & can't have when HIS money paid for it all
Agreed. And when he told Tony "Stop bitching" just because Tony put his foot down and said he would not allow black emulsion to be painted 'all over' HIS apartment - I felt really pissed. I think Tony let him off easy because he wanted JonJon to be an adoptive brother - and he probably thought it was normal for a 'brother' to be snarky like that. But the reality is - if I said something like that to my own blood siblings if I stayed in their homes and behaved the same way about the wall paint, I'd obviously expect them to call me out for being so rude and bossy. JonJon was taking advantage of Tony's kindness. JJ acted nice here and there, but I suspect he was just gaslighting sweet lonely Tony. He should count himself lucky Tony even said he could have his bedroom black - most people wouldn't even allow their friends to decide that.
jonjon might have a behind the scenes jobjob planting twolips on Tony.
well he ;ives on disability, maybe his illness got worse since he sold cookies back then. and now he doesn't think he can get a job now?
Reading a lot of very negative comments on Jon Jon here (maybe he was'nt perfect and all that but...) and they are way too mean in my opinion, like mobbing him out. Everybody loves the cute and lovely guy, let's go jump on the other one, hey? (No)
He might be reading here, what do you know? He seemed depressed (clinically) to me - if that was the case I hope life have turned to the better for him too.
Really good docu, glad I got to see it. Stumbled upon it.
Really like the starting picture of Tony with a red umbrella. Sweeet!
The best to you all guys!
I just found some of your poems online and I liked them. You must be in your 30s now. I really hope you have been doing well. You came across as such a kind person and you had such a hard time and yet managed to stay really great. I wish you all the best.
This was made in 2009, when he was 18. So he's 26.
Where did you find his poems online? I googled to see if there was any kinda update regarding his situation, haven't come across a bit of info.
salsburysteakjr I googled his name and the word poetry. I think they are ones from the time of the filming.
Agador Hi, What's his full name?
Nevaeh Cerise think his name is Anthony Taylor, I'm sure I've seen him comment on this video a few times
My heart broke for this lad, then it filled with joy when seeing him with his brother and family! I can't believe how exactly alike in every way the 2 are!!
Jon Jon is a bad friend, he just belittles him and keeps him thinking he needs him all the time! Typical user!
So glad it ended in such a great way! Xx
I have just watched this and when you found your brother and your dad’s side of the family i was so happy for you. You both come across as lovely young boys trying to find your way around this planet despite the early struggles. I wish you both well in the future. X
That was such a beautiful outcome for this young man and his brother. The world is filled with good things and good outcomes....
I'm so happy the brothers found each other again.
Wow, this whole documentary was a roller coaster of emotions. Wherever Tony and his brother are now I wish them the utter best ❤
I'm so happy for Tony that he found his place in the world! He really deserves to be happy! I'm glad he found his brother and his dad's side of the family too.
To hear a child say he wants to see his mum but he’s worried what she’ll think of him 😩😢 any decent mum will always love you, I wish all children knew this
So touching ! Would love an update on how his life's going :) wish him nothing but happiness 💗
Emz Fiji he's doing fine. His brother moved to his city. They keep in touch.
Anthony, thank-you for sharing your life. I am so impressed with the way you figured your way through rejection and such a difficult situation. You look back at this documentary and think you were naive, I think you were incredibly mature and resilient for your age.
I'm sorry to hear that your Nan passed, but glad you got to meet her. Did you get to have Christmas together? Hope so.
I trust life is being kinder to you now.
This grandma, many miles away, would be proud to welcome such an interesting and delightful soul into my family.
Wishing many good things to come.
I started watching this with a feeling of dread of feeling very uncomfortable, but I actually am very glad I saw it through and have been left feeling quite emotional...I grew up in a similar northern english town a generation earlier than Tony and had my share of time having left home, on the dole, in and out of menial bar jobs...but with optimism for the future...it all seems so long ago and far away...I hope Tony (and the other 2) are doing well and have found whatever they have been looking for.....Richard 46 (Hong Kong)
I was so happy to see his reunion with his dad's side of the family, they were so understandings & accepting. Best of life to him.
Man this made me teary. Such a lovely soul is Tony. So glad it worked out for him and his brother. Wonderful that neither seemed bitter and angry. All the best guys if you see this xx
Thank you
Tony is so precious.
I LOVE this store. I watched this twice. Tony is a great kid and he deserves a good life. I wish nothing but the best for him, his bro and family. He’s got a good heart.
It would be so nice to get an update to how everyone is doing.... this documentary really warms my heart....
I think this documentary is a masterpiece.
oh god i was so happy when he got the job, he may have been lazy and not bothered to work in the past but when he started trying he got so likable. just an honest guy whos made a lot of misstakes in his life but is trying to turn it around
What mistakes? Leaving his abusive mother? That was no mistake. Going to school? That was no mistake either. It wasn't even a mistake to let Jon-Jon in, for he needed someone at that time and in his own - rather selfish - way Jon-Jon did contribute exactly what Tony lacked then. After school he looked for a job and got one and kept it. Then he went looking for his family, found them and blended in. And he was smart enough not to go back to his abusive mother. I don't seek 'a lot of mistakes'. I see a lovely guy, who's trying to make the best of life. The dirty room is a totally normal stage in the lives of many teenagers, most grow out of it more or less. And so did he.
This is the most beautiful, heart warming story I've seen in a very LONG time. 💕💕 I was crying with happiness! I hope the brothers make up for lost time with their nan and that side of the family - obviously, their mother doesn't deserve another thought ... imo
This warmed my Frozen dark heart. I hope he has been doing well these past 7-8 years. I hope he is happy. :)
He had a dream which lead him to more beauty , he didn’t give up even when he felt rejected. Sweet reminder of my own life.love this story
Tony is such a unique, imaginative soul and his brother Mark is also seems so creative & put together, despite what they have both been through. When they were reading their poetry it was really touching, the words they had written raw… I hope they are still writing, what a fantastic outlet they both had 🙂 I can imagine them doing something creative in life.
I had the feeling not everything about their childhoods was told, but even reading through the lines you can see that both brothers are better off without their mother. Their fathers side of the family seem so welcoming, I genuinely teared up during their reunion. His Nan seems like such a lovely woman.
Those two were (are) so incredibly resilient & you could see from their attitudes that they are better than the cr@p they’ve been put through. They’ll go far, I’m sure of it.
Wishing them both the absolute best because they both deserve it after what they’ve been through. Hopefully they are doing great 😌
I cannot imagine any mother throwing these boys to the wind. They have such potential and deserve a fighting chance. She must be a shrew.
They left
Tony’s room mate is so sour. I️ would get so far away from him. He’s so negative.
He knew that when he said that he is not much but, he has no one but him. Very sad.
He doesn't remember cuddling his mum. How sad.
This is why I hug my sons every chance I get. They'll never say they don't remember cuddling their mum.
I can relate with him. My half sister recently found me after 20 years. You're nervous and excited at the same time.
Its really sad that Tony had to really grow up alone . I always say that having a child does NOT make you a mother.. Its parenting and being a positive role model..showing unconditional love and guidance thru a childs life that does. He seems like a sweet young man and really hope he cam fill his life with positive people that love him for who he is. Am intelligent caring amd warm hearted young man. Really loved tbis story!!! Just want Tony to know..the bad things that happened in his life DOES NOT make him a bad person. You are tje writer of your own story and it can be GREAT just like you!!! 😘
I dont know....both of the "boys", Tony and Mark seem here to have a really lovely way about them. They genuinely appear both loving and caring towards each other. and in general. Awesome to see especially given the situation of their separation as young kids their ability to be so open is beautiful. Both that and the guys love of books and poetry may be on some level genetic but although it sounds as though home life was "challenging" (I left home at 15...) it seems there must have been things that their mother did do right. Mark was parented by her till around 9yrs and Tony till 16 and I simply dont believe that both would be so real and 'good' without some positive nurture - though perhaps Mark just happened to luck out with his foster situations?
I prefer to believe that they had at least some positive maternal love and care which helped them to choose to become what appears to be lovely young guys. Though obviously they had a choice and chose well.
Aw I loved this. I wish him and his brother the best, I'm sorry about your farther, but I'm glad you've found your family. If you ever read this, then you know you can choose your family, Jon Jon and the new family you have. You deserve to be around people who love and support you for you
TheJakeTuber farther hahaha
Broke my heart, & made it up again. Bless his wee heart. ❤️
Anthony, loved the documentary! Terrific to hear that you and your family are doing well. I see that you have taken your dad's name, first class by you. Wishing you every success!!!
its so sad to see situations like this and young people forced to figure out their way all due to parents not wanting to be parents. God bless his friend John John
Loved his story watching at 1am inst3ad of sleeping,so worth it. He is such a good nice person. Didn't know about not wearing jeans to a job interview cause no one told him.
The good thing though, he still attended the interviews
This pair of friends is straight out of a movie lol. Jon Jon is freaking hilarious!
This made me happy to watch
This is the sweetest documentary I have ever watched. Tony is a beautiful soul , I just love him ! Wishing him the life the so deserves ❤❤
Having no family at all, this made me laugh and cry, awesome kids, all of them! Turn in to fine young man i would say. Glad he found the missing part of his family
Every time I watch this it makes me cry. So glad Tony found his brother and lost family. Hope he continued to grow into a confident young man.