My Brother Drove His Wife to Despair – Then the Unthinkable Happened
From childhood, my older brother John was a role model for me.
He was my mentor, protector, and example to follow.
Before I got married, he advised me:
“Remember one thing, mate. Never let your wife know how much money you’ve got. Give a woman free rein, and she’ll empty your pockets. Keep her in check and don’t let her run wild!”
Back then, it seemed like he was going overboard.
But John was five years older, already married, and I thought he must know what he was talking about.
Luckily, my wife, Sarah, wasn’t like that.
She wasn’t into brands, didn’t demand expensive gifts, and didn’t dream of a life of luxury.
But as time went on, John and I grew apart—our wives didn’t get along, and he was busy with his business.
I played in an orchestra while he ran farms and fields.
Every time we met, I braced myself for criticism.
John always found something to scold me about.
Money was more important than family
He constantly reminded me:
“You’re irresponsible! Why do you live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife waste money on nonsense?”
I didn’t argue, but his words stung.
After such conversations, I’d try to save, but soon forgot and lived as before.
John had a daughter, Emma.
He kept her in a tight grip.
No pocket money, no trendy clothes, no makeup.
She grew up in strictness.
Sometimes she visited us, and Sarah and I would secretly slip her some money.
At 16, Emma ran away from home, just to get out of her father’s control.
John even thought that was “right”—like it was his fault for not keeping her safe.
But what I saw later was the most terrible…
A holiday turned into a torment
Two years ago, we decided to go to the seaside with the family.
And I saw everything.
John literally tormented his wife over every penny.
“Coffee again? Can’t you drink it at home?”
“Pizza? Are you mad? That’s a fortune!”
“Ice cream for the kids? Let them drink water!”
He watched every expense, every pound, every receipt.
Walking with him along the boardwalk was impossible.
My kids, like any others, wanted candy floss, balloons, souvenirs…
But John just frowned and muttered:
“You’ll bankrupt your parents, you know?”
Even though he had a lot more money than I did.
He was just afraid to spend it.
Sarah couldn’t take it anymore and suggested:
“Let’s stay here a few more days. Without them.”
I agreed.
And John left with his wife that night.
He was in a hurry—he had a farm equipment auction waiting.
But in the morning, I got a call…
They had crashed.
After that, I was changed forever
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Since then, I’ve been a different person.
I no longer save “for old age.”
I no longer care how much a cup of coffee costs.
I buy gifts for my kids, beautiful things for my wife, and nice suits for myself.
Yes, money is necessary.
But what’s the point if you hoard it and don’t live?
It’s foolish to cling to money as if you can take it to the grave.
The main thing is not to lose those you love.
Because they can’t be bought.
Not for any amount of money.
