I normally don’t get too personal on this blog but I feel like this is something I need to share with you. If you follow me on Twitter, you have read some of my personal tweets about our family’s loss.
Early Thursday morning, my heart was ripped out. My brother who was just 28 years passed away suddenly. It has been a complete shock to my family. My heart aches. (He is pictured above in the dark blue jacket on his baptism/confirmation a couple of years ago. This was a proud moment and I love him so much.)
My brother was just four years younger than me and I never expected this to happen so soon. He always teased me about my blog in a good natured way. He would come into my office every day I worked when he got off work and ask me “How is Bargain Bri doing today.” Then he would ask me about his sweetheart (Sofia my youngest daughter), inquire about my other kids, and give me a gentle shoulder rub and make me smile in some way. Even on the days I was irritable with him. This past Tuesday, like he always does when he leaves my office he told me, “Love you Bri”.
I just remembered something this morning that made me smile. He teased me about his site but he wanted his own little corner called Bill’s Bargains. I can’t remember what he was going to do with it but he joked about it all the time!
***I just wanted to let you know in case the deals are sparse or I just plain mess them up. I have a couple of people who have been helping me with deals and coupon match ups for the past several months so you should still be getting plenty of deals as I just need something to keep my brain occupied at this time.
Thanks to all who have sent me kind emails, messages, and tweets.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers, I am so sorry about your shocking and sudden loss!
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
So so sorry to hear about your brother Bill’s passing. Lifting you and your family up in prayer at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry, Briana. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for you your loss. I hope you your memories will bring you comfort at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Holding you close to my heart during this difficult time.
Dear Briana, I just read your post about your brother with tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss, BUT the Word of God says “To be absent from the body is to be PRESENT with the Lord.” Your sweet brother is beholding the face of our Saviour! When I lost my precious mom in Oct. 2008, the Lord impressed on me that He had carried her home in HIS arms. It won’t be long until we see them again! Prayng for the Holy Sprit to comfort you. Blessings!
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. It is good that you keep the warm memories of your brother alive by talking about them. It helps with the healing process. I am sure he is looking down on you now and still “teasing” you about your blogging bargains. Just know that on those days when you feel that little touch on your shoulders and you turn around and no one is there, that is him trying to tell you that, although he misses you, all is fine and he is at peace and one day you will be together again joking about blogging :)
Please don’t worry about us … take all the time you need to heal. We will all be here waiting for you and praying for you. We truly appreciate all that you do!
God Bless
Frances
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take as much time as you want of course.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great brother.
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry about your loss. Will send prayers your way. Hugs
Briana
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your lose.
Sending my deepest sympathies…I’m glad you have warm memories of your brother and thankful he found his way to Christ :)
Your brother is in a better place…and he is now your angel!!! Thanks for all you do!!
I have only been reading your blog and couponing about a month. I have learned so much from you page and happily have reduced my weekly grocery bill about $50.00 a week. Plus couponing is now my new hobby. When I get a really good deal I LOVE IT!!!! As a busy full time nurse and mother of two I look forward to hearing from other moms. The news of your brother saddened my heart tonight. It was nice to hear how close you were and that he loved your children. Love and prayers to your family from one of your new coupon family members.
So sorry for your loss :(! You will be in our prayers!
My heart goes out to you Briana. For myself, I have found that loosing someone you loved so much is the most traumatic event that can ever happen to a person. Illness, financial problems, divorce, or any of the other so many things we think we will never get over, are the least of our sorrows. Our memories will bring back our loved ones in thoughts and dreams, and our sorrows never grow faint. I still cry daily for my parents and my best friend, and reading your story about your brother has impacted me the same way… with tears. I wish I could reach out and give you a hug, and tell you I know how you feel. Never regret the tears you will shed for your brother, now and in the future… they are your moments of remembering your love for him. Embrace your memories, and keep them near and dear to your heart. My deepest condolences to your Briana.
I am so very sorry that this has happened to your family. I understand your pain as I’ve also lost my brother and a sister. My heart goes out to you.
Hugs, Donna
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
I’m sorry you are so sad. You do bring happiness to a lot of people with what you do. I hope someone brings some happiness to you soon.
My prayers go out to you and your family. Take care.
Thinking of you in this difficult time. Take time off if you need it! Family first! Take care.
Amy
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. It’s really hard for you right now, but as the days go by, it’ll get easier. My prayers go out to your and your family. I hope knowing so many people care, helps to comfort you.
Be well. Lynn
Prayed for you and your family.
Oh My! So very sorry! I can’t imagine,You and your family are in my prayers! Thank You for all your great info.
My deepest sympathy! I have sons his age…that is way too young. God bless you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss…
Oh so sorry to read this. Hopefully, since doing this blog is what you do and obviously enjoy, you can come to some closure soon. I don’t know what I’d do. My brother is younger also by 8 years.
Barbara
BTW, I do enjoy your blog. It is very helpful and I do share it with ohters.
I am really sorry about your loss. Your brother is in my prayers.
Dear Brianna,
my heart goes out to you as does anyone who has lost a loved one and knows the finality of such a loss. I think it is so much worse when it is someone young, like your brother. I want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. Your love for him is obvious in the way you speak of him and I am so sorry for your loss.
The gentlest of hugs,
dale
Briana,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious brother. I have subscribed to your web site a short time, but I love it. My heart breaks for you and your family and your children. I know how much my grown daughter loves her “little” brother (as big as your brother) and I can’t imagine how shocked you must be. Please know that I am praying for you and please take care of yourself and don’t worry about your web site. Again, I am so so sorry.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Many prayers are being said for your family. God’s peace and comfort abound for you all at this time. T
So sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))
I am sorry for your loss. Will keep you and your family in your thoughts.
I am so very sorry…my prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry Bri! Hugs & prayers for you and your family.
Briana,
Words can seem so hollow at a time like this….I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to lose a brother much too early. Remember the good times always….may peace be with you and your family at this very difficult time.
So sorry about your loss. I will be thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Briana, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you and your family are in. Please know that I will be praying for you. May the Lord comfort you.
I’m so sorry about your loss. (((((Hugs)))))
Briana, So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Your brother sounds like a guy with a heart of gold. Brothers are so good at making us smile even when we’re down or grouchy. I lost my brother 12 years ago suddenly, he was 20. My best advice to you is to take time for yourself to grieve and remember him. Don’t over occupy yourself b/c the grief will hit you the second you slow down (even if it is a year from now) — that is what I did. It will get better with time. ((HUGS)) and prayers to you.
Briana,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. xo
I’m so sorry for your loss. You obviously have a very special relationship with Bill that will forever be in your heart. You and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for you and your familys loss … thinking of you and your family in this sad time and keeping you all in my prayers ..
May prayers are with you Briana!!!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. You take the time you need, we will be here waiting for you when you are ready to return full steam ahead. You always do so much and go above and beyond that everyone will understand that you need a little time to “recover” from this terrible loss. We won’t be going anywhere.
I’m so sorry to read of your tragic loss. Don’t think twice about not updating as often or at all. Spend time with your family – we all understand. Wishing peace and comfort to you and yours during this time.
Thinking of you and your family Briana and keeping you in my prayers!!
My prayers to you and your family Bri. Having walked in your shoes just recently. My healthy brother who turned 23 on Christmas day was killed by motor vehicle on New Years Eve. So all I can say is that God has better plans for your brother and he will live forever in your heart. Thanks for all you do. So, “How is Bargain Bri doing today.” Stay strong God is in charge!
So sorry to hear about your brother. Praying for your family during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. I visit your blog regularly and like the format and the deals you let the bargain community know about. Your family is the most important thing right now.
Keep up the good work, and again, so so for your loss,
Dana
So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Briana-
Praying for you and your family through this rough time, I cannot even imagine what you all are going through!
Olivia
Oh Briana, I had no idea – I’m so very sorry for your loss, that’s just plain awful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Briana,
I am so sorry for your lose. May God shelter your family with comfort during this ever difficult time. Many prayers going up for you and your family!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. ((((HUGS)))))
So very sorry for your loss. The circumstances may not be the same, but I lost my brother at the age of 22. I’ve been there, and it’s awful. Praying for you and your family.
Bri good pic of Billie with your mom and dad …….love, Aunt jane
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so, so sorry to hear that. Thinking of you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you. I wish there was more we could do.
Wow. I can’t pretend to know what that’s like but I pray that you are able to rest and eventually find peace. It sounds like you have some great things to remember about him. God bless.
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Brothers are our worst tormentors and our greatest defenders! May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I love Bargain Briana thank you so much for taking the time to make it happen for us. Take as much time as you need heartbreak is one of the most painful things we humans have to go through in my experience, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Brianna,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I will definitely be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Sorry to hear this. Will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
I am sorry for your lose, I will be praying for you and your family!
I am a reader but don’t usually comment (sorry).
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I lost my brother very unexpectedly a year ago and understand the shock and pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Let the memories make you strong and know that he will always be in your heart.
The blogging world is here, standing with you, holding your hand.
Dear Bri, I’m so sorry to hear that you and your family have had this devestating loss. I just found your blog tonight, so you don’t really know me but believe me when I say I understand even if I don’t know exactly how you feel. I pray that the angels of God surround you and keep you comforted at this time. I will be lifting you and your family up in prayer.
My deepest sympathies,
Tracy
Briana – I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep him — and you — in my prayers.
I am so so sorry for your loss. You can tell from your post that you and your brother had a very special bond.
I am so, so sorry for your family’s loss. You’re in my thoughts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry Briana! I can’t even imagine what you are going through. My brother is 5 years younger than I am (he is 27) and just reading this made tears come to my eyes! You and your family are in my prayers!
I’m sorry for your loss.
My heart breaks for you. Please take all the time you need. I have a younger brother and cannot even comprehend how hard this must be. My thoughts are with you and your brother’s friends and family during this difficult time. Hugs.
I lost my baby sister a year and a half ago. Only a few things are more painful. My prayers go out to you nad your family. We appreciate all your work for us, but this blog is such a minor thing in comparison to what else is going on in your life right now. DOn’t worry about it at all. Take life one breathe at a time right now and focus on you and your family. Our hearts are going out to you.
Sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like a great guy. Sending you and family prayers.
Oh B! I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother!
Love you and sending hugs your way!
I am very sorry for your loss. I’m sending you and your family lots of peace, love, and happy thoughts.
I lost my brother 2 years ago….I truly understand how you feel. God be with you and your family, also with your brother. I will be praying for your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin the imagine the pain you must feel. Please know you are in my prayers.
Oh Brianna! I am so sorry! I know what is feels like to lose a family member suddenly and I know what peace I recieved from God above. I can tell you it doesn’t take the pain away, but knowing you will be reunited again does help. Know that I will be praying for you.
{HUGS}
I’m a closet Bargain Briana fan. I have been following you for a while now and have never commented on your site. But you have been such a huge blessing to me by helping me save money and after reading your post, I had to comment for the first time. I was so sad to read your post. I will be praying for you and your family during this time of loss. Please don’t rush getting back to the blog…the bargains can wait. And it’s a reminder for all of us to be thankful for our loved ones.
I am so truly sorry for your loss. It is unimaginable. My heart goes out to you and your family and God bless.
Will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Sooo sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. I pray God will give you comfort and peace that only He can.
Sheila
I am really so sorry for your loss. Try to not worry too much about “work” right now…as I am sure you can’t concentrate well at this time…and I certainly don’t blame you any for that! It’s a full system shock to lose a loved one. Just know that you and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes, it is just one day at a time…or even one second at a time. (hugs)
I am so very so sorry to hear about your loss. I teared up when I read your post and just felt the need to tell you how very sorry I am. May God comfort you in this time of need.
I’m so sorry I don’t know how u feel but if u wanna talk I’m here…I’ll pray for ur family
Sorry for your loss, Bri. Sounds like he was a helluva guy.
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother! I cannot imagine how hard this is on you and your family. Please knoe that I will be praying for you and your family!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Will be lifting your family in prayer.