Falling In Love While Grieving A Loss

Written By: Briana Brown
Photography By Felecia Causey

Raising children as a single mother can be challenging, especially for some of us who has lost our kids' father.

  On  September 5, 2015, my kids and I lost their father. He was struck by a bullet and pronounced dead at the scene. Although it has been almost two years, it still haven't been easy to us, and we are still hurting. I still haven't gotten over the lost of him and every year around September, depression gets the best of me. 

  Our kids are too young to really understand, when he passed.  Veronica was only 4 months, DeQuincey Jr. was 1, and Audrieanna was 3 years old at the time.  Audrieanna still remembers a little, and she ask a lot about him. She also knows he is in Heaven now, and she always says "he in the sky mommy".

  I get so emotional every time I think about it.  I wish my kids still had their father here, and could be a part of their lives.  We do pray for justice, although, we know it won't bring him back to us. We would feel a lot better knowing that who ever is responsible, didn't get away with just taking someone's life. 

Just when I wanted to give up, God blessed me with someone special. He loves me and my children as his own. He goes all out his way for us, and we are always his first priority. The kids love him as much as he loves them. We couldn't be more blessed and thankful to have him in our lives.

Written By David:

When I first met Briana, it was just something about her, that made me want to get to know her even more.  I enjoyed her company.

The oldest is Audrieanna,  she's a ball of energy, and reminds me so much of her mother.  She was 3 years old when she lost her biological father.  It took her a while to adjust to me, but we've grown a lot closer.  I can't even imagine not having her in my life.

DeQuincey Jr. is the second oldest. He is a very silly, fun, and loving little boy.  I find myself day dreaming a lot about when he gets older. I think about how we will be playing and catching the football, baseball, and basketball together.  There is nothing I wouldn't do to see a smile on his face. Our bond is very close,  and he copies a lot of the things that I do and say. It makes me so happy, but it also reminds me, that I have to be a wonderful role model for him. I also have to teach him how to be a respectful man as he grows up. 

Veronica is the baby of the group, and we call her Muffin or Fat-fat. Our bond is without a doubt the strongest, because she was only a baby when I came into their life. 

I just want their biological father to know, I will do anything for these kids, and that they are in good hands. I will be here for them every step of the way.