It's not over!

Hello Rich

I was one of the people who did respond previously and I will say again that...perhaps you should not reprint your brother's letters here out of respect for him especially if he does not know you are doing this.

I am happy for you that he is not cutting off all contact.  Your brother does seem very wise in what he says to you.  I think he is very right about boundary issues.  He needs to live his life as he sees fit. 

I do hope things will improve over time.  It would be such a shame to lose your relationship with your brother.  I can tell you do care for him very much.

Good luck with this. 

Rich, I am glad you heard from your brother, too, and that he explained his silence.  Maybe you can find someone else who is safer to talk to right now about your own stuff.  Your brother, as he said, was feeling rather overwhelmed and unable to take in anything else.  You also have a right to set boundaries with people.  Maybe you can just give him a little space and time and get a new start with him, letting him know that your intention isn't to attack him.  I hope things continue to improve - sounds like he's put himself out there with his honesty.