Addiction Stole Our Grandson Daniel’s Mother…

I’m sorry I screwed up for so long! I just hope that my mistakes aren’t permanent and that I’ll get to be your mommy. I love you forever and ever”.

Brianna Brandy Millard Smith wanted nothing more than to be sober and be Daniel’s mama. “. These are words she wrote in a journal she left for him that she called “The love book.” Sadly, Brianna could not remain sober. The longest she was able to stay away from drugs was 6 months. Brianna Brandy Millard Smith, our daughter, and Daniel’s mother was killed one evening as she walked along Highway 138 near Llano, CA. A semi-truck veered onto the shoulder of the road, striking Brianna and killing her instantly. The driver didn’t even know what he hit until he went back and found her body.

Our world was turned upside down when our daughter died alone in the desert on March 30, 2014. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE YOU! And it shouldn’t be the story of another family who will suffer the loss of a loved one to addiction or domestic violence. As a family, we often ask if we did enough? That is a question that lives with us always.

Leaving a domestic violence situation is the first step. Not drinking or using are the first steps toward mending a damaged relationship, whether with a family member, partner, employer, or, more importantly, a child. Daniel’s mom didn’t get that chance. 

BBMS Happy Children Memorial Scholarship Fund, founded on October 6, 2018 (which would have been Brianna’s 38th birthday), will assist with toys, clothes, Hygiene goods, and food (with the help of Code 7 ministries).  The only requirement is a commitment to living a life void of domestic violence. For those struggling with addiction it is a commitment to sobriety…

Brianna was always seeking sobriety to be a good mother.

Because of what happened to Brianna, we have made it our mission to help as many families living in sobriety as we can. To support those leaving a domestic violence situation. Every year, leading up to the two main holidays of the year, BBMS (“Brianna Brandy Millard Smith Happy Children Memorial Scholarship Fund”) collects a variety of goods to gift to families who are LIVING SOBER. Those who are committed to living a life away from domestic violence.

This past year has been hard on all of us, and with the cost of living on the increase, our goal is to at least match the donations we received last year.

In 2020 and 2021, we were able to supply 11 + families with care packages consisting of Food, softly used or new clothes and toys, and other products to get them through Thanksgiving and Christmas. This brought the families hope, and those who donated a lot of joy when they saw the pictures of the children’s faces light up with glee.

“The road to success is always under construction.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Lily Tomlin​​