Emotional Writing Box Restoration Reveals Adopted Man’s True Parentage | The Repair Shop

Alan has brought in a writing box to be repaired - steeped in emotional history as it contained his adoption letter revealing his sister was actually his mother all along!
From Season 4 Episode 11.
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[@cestmoikim6514]

If all TV could be as uplifting as this show! Will & the other shop folks are such skilled crafts people & such beautiful human beings!

[@missylearned9821]

Agreed. I think of inspirational movies like Chariots of Fire and then what we see today out of the the movie and television industry and I realize how quickly the world has devolved. This was a joy.

[@MsJWheels]

That is a family heirloom that will be passed down for generations. Wonderful restoration.

[@pattyaiken8951]

I looked for this ending for an hour, glad it came up....wonderful story and wonderful job on the box. I subscribed because of it!!

[@MsJWheels]

Me too!

[@Richie8a8y]

Me three! I must post this link to the stingy “repair shop” channel’s piecemeal installations.

[@beckiwildeman600]

I looked to. Than when I went back into my feeds I got the 2nd part. Than turned to watch something short and sure enough the last part showed up but not just the last all 3 in one video.

[@adzmitch]

Took a week for this bit to turn up in my feed!

[@boarder6246]

I watched the first two this afternoon, and tonight this video just popped up on my feed! I didn’t think I’d get to see the reveal!

[@JulieWallis1963]

The look of genuine surprise on Alan’s face at the reveal was priceless. I know he will treasure that writing slope forever.

[@leannecanty8821]

Thank you for including the whole story in this clip.

[@nivenpostma9944]

"Oh my word. That's marvellous." What lovely, heartwarming understatement in the face of something so special and the remarkable job that Will did. He's not just a miracle worker, he's a master craftstman...

[@NC-qc7wd]

Will not only is a miracle worker, but he is also BRILLIANT.

[@FS-mc3cs]

Will has made a mistake - from not fully researching how the leather skiver should be applied by FIRST adding the strip of lining UNDERNEATH the leather where the box joins. This prolongs and strengthens the leather when the box is opened and closed. AND no application of BAIZE fabric underneath.... Research is KEY!

[@clairewright8153]

When Alan said he didn’t know why he looked in the attic, I think it was his mum willing him up there and wanting him to know the truth. My great aunt found out 1 day before she was married that her sister was her mum as the birth certificate had to be provided to the priest. His family wanted the marriage cancelled. Her husband refused and stood his ground.

[@haplessasshole9615]

Your great-aunt's husband was obviously a stand-up guy -- literally, when they got up to the altar! That's a great story. I hope they enjoyed a long, happy, prosperous marriage.

[@cestmoikim6514]

That is strange that his family held that against his new wife. It wasn't her fault that she was born out of wedlock.

[@nemoatlantis7148]

@@cestmoikim6514 now I get it why would they against the marriage, I'm not a christian so I didn't understand the reason.

[@1sissaree]

I am truly touched by this story! What a fantastic job you did Will! Just marvelous!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@warrenmurchie6599]

I have a writing slope that I found in the loft of my Uncles house when I cleaned out his estate after he passed away. It belonged to my Great Grandfather and means a lot to me. Interestingly it also had letters in it although not containing the bombshell kind of information that Alan's did. I really should restore it.

[@franksfiddle9031]

Now you know how :)

[@gitadasgupta7488]

You need bombshell to make Any old box interesting and worth restoring this way. Unbelievable how well it was restored

[@lynnhoffman247]

My mom has one that belonged to her great grandmother. It has several ivory desk accessories in it.

[@daisymeadow6662]

Absolutely beautiful restoration, had me very moved too. well done Will,for lovingly restoring such a poignant and significant item in this man's life.

[@salimerekhorami5039]

Such admiration and respect for the painstaking care and level of restoration that was put into this. What a wonderful heirloom this will be for another generation to cherish. Outstanding workmanship.

[@richardcreurer2935]

Will, it must be such an amazing feeling to see the emotional responses from your clients. Realizing that what you have accomplished by labour of your own mind and hands, means so much to them. The expression on your face shows how much it means to you, too. Keep doing what you do, so well. You are so fortunate to find such pleasure in what you do for a living, may your labour always give you such joy!

[@brianharbut4054]

Apart from the incredible skills & dedication of the team they are such truly wonderful people. This is a really amazing programme 🙏❤️

[@mknewlan67]

Well Alan…. This old man in America is shedding some tears for you mate. God bless.

[@sophieandwayne]

It must look how his parents left it when they put his adoption certificate in it, so beautiful.

[@mikeriordan6940]

These people are miracle workers, the way they restore everything

[@maryspeer7229]

What a wonderful story! To think Alan felt guided to that spot . . . .

[@vibrantscolor]

That is beautiful a real craftsman. It's a real treasure box 💜you made his life complete.

[@helenweatherby1694]

My father had exactly this experience. He was 56 when he discovered that his sister was in fact his mother.

[@TheTheatrefan]

Brought tears to my eyes. Truly an amazing job. Well done, Will.

[@Richie8a8y]

Will’s expert restoration brought such validation to Allen’s life; his Sister Ethel’s life. Happy Birthday indeed!

[@vincentvangogh3634]

The repair shop is one of my favorite shows on t.v. So interesting to see how the experts work their craft and so uplifting to see how beautiful the item has become and to see the reactions of the owners… Truly fantastic, i hope this show stays on forever!!

[@steveb1972]

Will is such a sweet, kind and caring guy 👍🏼

[@esinohio]

I just wanted to hug that man. What a wonderful show.

[@mickieb910]

Can you imagine being in your 70-80’s to find out your sister was actually your Mom 😳

[@stephenflood4526]

Man,my world would crash and burn if that happened to me.

[@lightbuilder2673]

Right- just praying his dad was not actually his dad...

[@sharong8511]

I don’t know if there’s ever a good age to find out that your sister is actually your mother. I knew a woman who had a child out of wedlock. She tried raising the child, a girl, with the father of the child. It was an immature, toxic relationship and the child was quickly taken custody of by the grandparents. On the child’s 13th birthday she was given the information that her sister was actually her mother.

[@cindycreateforlife]

It’s something that was often done, talking openly about adoption is normal now but many children did not find out they were adopted until they were “old enough” to understand. Many grandparents raised their grandchildren as their own to save face, many couldn’t bear to have their grandchildren put up for adoption.

[@wiganlad2006]

Common occurrence it seems. My 4th great grandmother Elizabeth Green, had an illegitimate son, John Green. He went to live with his grandparents. But I believe he knew they were his grandparents, as his marriage listed no father.

[@micheledix2616]

What a brilliant restorer. All so delicately done. Bravo.

[@michaeldoherty7434]

Just incredible Will……such a talent and such a great way to help others.

[@mmme9671]

Touching story. I've been watching for the ending to this story for days, very worthwhile.

[@RichardPIRAGIS-ms1hm]

Great job Will...brought a tear to my eyes.

[@cindycreateforlife]

So beautifully restored, he is so proud walking out of the shop with his treasure! Glad he found it, I think it brings some joy to know the truth!

[@piffpaff9674]

I am deeply moved by this incredible miracle work which goes beyond highly professional craftsmanship- the young fellow showed so much understanding and compassion for the lovely man and made him (and us) very happy indeed 🏆💫✨

[@ellisburton8733]

Not a dry eye in the house. Will the miracle worker. 🙏🏼

[@hapijen4828]

Will you are not only a multi- talented miracle worker but also an extremely handsome one too.

[@pepifogarty5016]

Well. This made me cry. Just beautiful. ❤️

[@zoraknme]

This is really beautiful and touching. I’m wondering, though, most writing slopes of this quality had a secret compartment that is extremely hard to find if you don’t know that it’s there. Since it looks like Will just replaced the leather and retouched the exterior, he probably didn’t do enough work on the interior to find the compartment, if it exists. It was usually under the pen holder/inkwell area and could be opened by pushing one of the bottoms down, pulling up on one of the dividers, inserting a small pin into a hidden hole, etc., depending on different styles and manufacturers. I wonder if this writing slope holds any more secrets.

[@angelaharvey2034]

Wow! So emotional, the box full of history! Wonderful restoration.

[@cecilgore495]

So glad that through your awesome skills you made this memorable for this man.

[@MsWatchdog]

Wow what a story! I would have loved to hear the rest of his story!

[@cecybermudez1008]

His smile was everything

[@wendycarey8959]

One of the things I love about the Repair Shop is that it provides a forum for men to become emotional in a supportive non-judgemental environment. They can get choked up, cry, be reduced to speechlessness, sparkle with delight over a toy, without it being seen as weak or having anyone trample on their vulnerability. And not just the people who bring items in. We see the men in the Repair Shop team expressing their own emotions. It's lovely. It's healthy. It's like an antidote to the endless stories of toxic masculinity that seem to abound.

[@estherdoyle364]

Sometimes things are just meant to be ... what a beautiful end to a very emotional story.,. Reminds me that things are so different today ....and at least he was kept and loved with in his family which was the best that they could do at the Time... he was loved and thats all that matters ❤

[@catherinebourdon8258]

I just GASPED in astonishment and wonder at how BEAUTIFUL the restoration turned out! Simply AMAZING!! Such a gift for Alan to receive. Thank you for sharing. And for reminding us all how immeasurably valuable & important craftsman skills are for the human soul 💖

[@sherryrector2275]

I love this series. I use to watch it on Disney when I lived in Ohio. I’m a happy camper and thrilled yo see it again.

[@pattigee1]

This segment really touched me. Love the Repair Shop and all the unique talents and craftspeople who restore and conserve interesting items. Thanks for the post.

[@elvabraisted6476]

88 year old resident of Florida USA Loved seeing this series on TV but it's not on any more

[@wildwine6400]

It might be on Netflix I think, not sure for other countries . Im in the UK and its always on TV, even if repeats. Theres 10 series of it so far

[@jamesbarnes8016]

Oh Will, what a transformation, u star

[@catdoganddramaqueen8487]

I just love the stories. I love how precious treasures are restored with so much care and love and with upmost appreciation. The extremely talented team of craftspeople are so human and relatable and that makes this show one of the best ever created. I also hope it inspires more young people to look to joining industry that repair and restore. What a beautiful rewarding job to have.

[@debblouin]

So glad I found the whole piece with the reveal. What a remarkable transformation!

[@audramitchell9894]

Will has sentimental eyes about this project. The box turned out so elegant . Fantastic job from the restoration 🌲💚🌲

[@judyshort38]

Beautiful restoration!!! WTG. You made him very happy!

[@Carducci1959]

What a break through!

[@jasonoludemi2726]

How much is that box worth in a flea shop? Not much I'd imagine, but to Alan? Absolutely priceless!

[@jonwhite8449]

A touching story and an amazing job! My parents have a writing box just like that and it has a secret hidden compartment. You wouldn't find it unless you knew to look. I wonder if that one does?

[@Austin4098]

Nice one Will !!

[@MartyP-lr7vw]

Wow! gives me hope for humankind !

[@goldenagenut]

Hard work is it's own best reward, but to have that kind of appreciation for your hard work - it doesn't get much better than that. Beautiful job btw!

[@MrCabimero]

Amazing to watch such a young man has such wonderful skills - a true artisan.

[@olivebobo6885]

An amazing transformation.

[@heathernelson5624]

Even with watching the process of the restoration, the reveal itself took my breath away.

[@dmmtrck6310]

Amazing....great work and a great historical significance. I agree with a previous person on here who made the comment " his mom (sister) willed him to the attic." May he enjoy that box and treasure those memories for a long long time to come.

[@thomasvanschie3778]

The funny thing about reparing this box. Is that the materials ecxept the piece of leather cost just less then 5 pounds. Just a piece of veneer and a few tiny bottels of paint and some bone clue. Amazing

[@lisathomas1622]

Gorgeous outcome. ❤❤❤

[@Rushopium]

Amazing story and incredible work !

[@terry-1]

I guess you would have to tell your kids early on before the broadcast that their aunt was actually their grandmum. What a difficult thing to have to find out and do but that was more common in the past then will ever be found out.

[@origamigirl95]

It looks gorgeous! I'm glad they could fix it. :)

[@peterward3965]

How sad but joyous at the same time. Such a brilliant programme, such brilliant skills involved.

[@georginashanti4605]

Such an uplifting story! I'm glad that there are still traditions and crafts that are still being utilised, to preserve the past and to bring people joy, memories and a sense of connection. It's lovely. I hope that the younger ones will always be able to recognise the value in older things. Based on the typewriter revival, I think they will.

[@karenmurphy7066]

Wow, what an awesome restoration by Will of this special box! Beautiful craftsmanship!

[@rebeccamonaghan9964]

Thanks for giving us the WHOLE episode! Beautiful, beautiful work. Happy ending.

[@beckiwildeman600]

Absolutely beautiful. What a great job you did Will to that box. Totally amazing.

[@BlytheWorld1972]

This show makes my heart warm everyone in the series is lovely and the people who bring in the items are also lovely this story touched me .

[@ravenred201]

what a great story and what an amazing job the young man did! i'm blown away! wow...just stunning, well done you!

[@mikehillman8115]

That was incredible!!! It brought so much joy to him as well as me. I teared up 😢😢😢

[@pamyuhnke8143]

Cried so hard!!!!

[@zhisu2665]

how Will? managed to get a dirty old box into something that looks brand new is amazing

[@hickorygolddoc]

Ahhh my eyes have leaked as I do understand the emotions quite well. Beautiful work completed with talent, great care and wonderful compassion! A treasure beyond measure for its discovery and contents and made even more so by its wonderful restoration by a talented, amazing good soul. I am so glad to have had this video in my feed! ❤ You have a new subscriber! 😊

[@oneshotme]

What a shock for that man to find out

[@barbheym6595]

What a wonderful story. I am so glad I found this video to see the ending to story. And what a fantastic job on restoring this box. Beautiful!!

[@gdaygday1209]

STUNNINGLY SKILLED WORKMANSHIP.........👏👏👌❤❤💯

[@Dandelionfleur]

Wow, what an incredible job! Well done!

[@mouse5178]

Not just a link “with the past” but hopefully a link to the future too ❤

[@suecunningham3131]

This a much needed gift of love by gorgeous people with amazing hearts , my hope that one day we might chose to teach this repair shop idea in schools to keep the skill alive and that loving feeling of human nature at its most wonderful uplifting spirit of love and appreciation of all things material and emotional spiritual gifts of pure hearts restoring precious life stories of hope and memories that can never be replaced ,? Unless by the hands of gifted people like those who reside here at the repair shop Blessing to you all Earth angels Namaste ✊🏻💞🤝👊🏻👊🏻🌏😇😇😇🎉🌷

[@melodybenson2671]

Awesome job

[@janmunce496]

One of those rare moments when a thumbs up just doesn’t seem enough.

[@hm93654]

Wonderful !!!!

[@gitadasgupta7488]

Such beautiful restoration!

[@kenea3226]

That is a beautiful story.

[@chriswar535]

Wow you did a fantastic job Will. It looks so beautiful. You are a very very skilful restorer. Wonder if it has a secret little compartment??

[@mdolanot]

Such beautiful work

[@KissaMeAssa]

Amazing job guys, this one touched my heart!!

[@nileswright8915]

a-maz-ing! just awesome work and what a story! thank you all! :)

[@toniweber-rice5977]

Several years after my grandfather died my grandmother began to claim that his sister was actually his mother and that his parents were actually his grandparents. Unfortunately this rumor wasn't known until everyone from that generation already died, so the truth probably never will be known.

[@toniweber-rice5977]

@Nicky L There is no one left to test . My grandfather and both his siblings are dead and neither of them had children. The only way to prove it would be to compare my mother or uncle's DNA to a relative of the person who was supposedly my grandfather's actual father.

[@rhondaphillips432]

This is GREAT, THANK YOU.

[@za8766]

Handsome will😊

[@zimnizzle]

I AM IN AWE.

[@turbolife5912]

Totally awesome 👌🏻 ❤️💫✨️🙏🏼Totally awesome and serendipity to be admired ❤💯❤💯❣️❤💯❤💥

[@teeceew9859]

Another great job yet again , how did you get the Brass inlays out without damaging the wood .

[@helentrotter8703]

What kind of glue does will always use? The stuff in the pot

[@ML-xi2rt]

Magnificent