My brother drove his wife to despairthen the unthinkable happened.
My brother was my role model. Growing up, I always looked up to my big brother, James. He was my mentor, my protector, and the person I wanted to be like.
When I got married, he told me:
“Listen, little bro. Never tell your wife how much money youve got. If you give her an inch, shell take a mile. Keep her on a tight leashdont let her spend!”
At the time, it sounded harsh. But James was five years older, already married, so I figured he knew what he was talking about.
Luckily, my wife, Eleanor, wasnt like that. She didnt chase designer labels, demand expensive gifts, or dream of luxury.
Over time, though, James and I drifted apartour wives didnt get along, and he was always buried in his business. I played in a band; he owned farms and land. Every time we met, I braced for a lecture.
James never missed a chance to scold me. “Youre reckless! Why live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife waste money on nonsense?” I never argued, but his words cut deep. Id try to save for a bit, then slip back into old habits.
James had a daughter, Charlotte. He kept her under lock and keyno pocket money, no trendy clothes, no makeup. She grew up under strict rules. Sometimes, shed visit us, and Eleanor and I would sneak her a little cash.
At 16, Charlotte ran awayjust to escape her dads control. James shrugged it off, saying shed brought it on herself. But the worst was yet to come.
Two years ago, we went on a family holiday to the seaside. Thats when I saw it firsthand. James hounded his wife over every penny.
“Another coffee? Cant you make it at home?”
“Pizza? Are you mad? Its daylight robbery!”
“An ice cream for the kids? Waters free!”
He micromanaged every expense, every receipt, every pound. Walking with him was torture. My kids, like any others, wanted candy floss, balloons, souvenirs But James just scowled and muttered, “Youll bankrupt your parents, you know that?”
Meanwhile, he had ten times more money than I didhe just couldnt stand spending it.
Eleanor finally snapped. “Lets stay a few extra dayswithout them.” I agreed.
James left with his wife that nightin a rush to get to a farm equipment auction.
But the next morning, I got the call.
Theyd crashed.
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother that day.
Since then, Im a different man. I dont hoard money for “later.” I dont sweat the cost of a coffee. I buy my kids presents, nice things for Eleanor, sharp suits for myself.
Yes, money matters. But whats the point if you dont live with it?
Its madness to cling to cash like you can take it with you.
The real treasure is the people you lovebecause you cant replace them.
No amount of money beats that.
