A Near Death Experience Showed Brandon the Value in the Small Things
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
We are the Williams family. It’s myself and my wife, T, and we have two children: our daughter Lia, who is 7 years old, and our son Tray, who is 6 years old.
Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?
I lived in Denver and North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte. I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and my wife is from Wisconsin. Now we live near Windsor Plantation off of Hwy 544, near Surfside Beach.
Why did you move to Myrtle Beach?
We wanted to simplify our lives and have the opportunity to travel more.
Do you have a favorite place in Myrtle Beach?
The Market Common because our kids love the parks down there. We also like the bowling alley, and Murrells Inlet for all of the great restaurants.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Myrtle Beach?
We get to meet people from so many other places. We love to travel and just recently came back from Spain. There aren’t many people we encounter who are originally from Myrtle Beach, and we love the diversity of it. And it’s right by the beach. You can’t beat that.
How has your lifestyle changed since moving here?
Our kids are now homeschooled, and with our proximity to the beach, we get to live near the water and be close to the water. I grew up near the water in Virginia, and really missed it as an adult. Because the taxes are so cheap here, we’ve been able to travel more internationally.
What new activities have you taken up since moving here?
My kids catch geckos and take swimming lessons. My wife and I enjoy walks on the beach in the afternoons and getting ice cream.
Do you find people friendlier or more at ease?
Everyone here is more laid-back.
Can you share one quirky fact with us about your family?
A few years ago I almost died in a car accident, and my wife showed me during that ordeal what a great wife she is. Almost dying helps me to appreciate the smaller, simpler things in life. Now I take the time to tell her I love her all the time. I was so busy the day I left the house and had the accident, so cherishing love and showing people love is important to me.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?
I’d like to see a little bit more patience when people drive, and less red light running.