My Brother Drove His Wife to Despair – Then the Unthinkable Happened

My brother drove his wife to despair then the unthinkable happened
My brother had always been my role model. Since childhood I looked up to my older sibling, Pierre. He was simultaneously a mentor, a protector, and the example I wanted to follow.
When I got married, he warned me:
Remember this, little brother. Never tell your wife how much money you have. If you let her know, shell empty your pockets. Keep her on a leash and dont let her spend!
At the time it sounded extreme to me.
But Pierre was five years older, already married, and I assumed he knew what he was talking about.
Fortunately, my wife Claire wasnt that kind of person. She didnt chase brands, didnt demand pricey gifts, and didnt dream of a luxurious life.
Over the years, however, our paths diverged from Pierres our wives didnt get along, and Pierre was consumed by his business. I played in an orchestra; he owned farms and land. Whenever I saw him, I expected criticism, and he always found a reason to lecture me.
Money mattered more than family
He kept repeating:
Youre irresponsible! Why do you live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife waste money on trifles?
I never argued, but his words hurt. After those talks I tried to save, only to forget quickly and fall back into the same habits.
Pierre had a daughter, Amélie, whom he kept practically imprisoned. No pocket money, no fashionable clothes, no makeup she grew up under strict austerity. Occasionally she visited us, and Claire and I would slip her a little cash in secret. At sixteen she ran away simply to escape her fathers grip. Pierre even claimed it was well deserved, blaming her for not being protected. The worst I later discovered
A vacation turned into torment
Two years ago we planned a family trip to the seaside, and I saw everything. My brother constantly hounded his wife over every cent.
Another coffee? Cant you drink it at home?
A pizza? Thats outrageous!
What ice cream for the kids? Let them have water!
He monitored every expense, every euro, every receipt.
Walking with him along the promenade was impossible. My children, like any others, wanted cotton candy, balloons, souvenirs Pierre merely furrowed his brows and muttered:
Youll ruin your parents, understand?
Even though he had far more money than I did, he was terrified of spending it.
Claire finally had enough and said:
Lets stay here a few more days. Without them.
I agreed, and Pierre left with his wife that night, hurrying to attend an agricultural equipment auction. The next morning I got a call
Theyd been in an accident.
It changed me forever
They say he fell asleep at the wheel. I lost my brother.
Since then Im a different man. I no longer save for old age. I dont obsess over the price of a cup of coffee. I buy gifts for my children, nice things for my wife, stylish suits for myself.
Yes, money is necessary.
But whats the point of hoarding it without living?
Clinging to cash as if well take it to the grave is absurd. The real priority is not losing the people we love, because they are irreplaceable. Money matters little compared to that.