My brother...

[Seahawk]

I have always loved my brother and don't think that will ever change. I've never been afraid for him or worried as he seems to have his head on his shoulders. But as of late, he's started to lose it. He's five years younger than me (meaning just passed his 16 birthday a few months back) and he's starting to go through exactly what happened to me. Depressed (he had two girls royally fuck him over mentally), angry at my parents and distressed that he's not getting along with them at all and losing faith in the whole Christian thing.

He's not a very open communcator and I'm surprised and shocked he's talking about this stuff openly to me (we've never been that close) and I'm trying to pick up all the pieces from our failed friendship. I'm thinking of taking him out to lunch once a week and just hanging with him every chance I can get, just to be that friend he recently lost to a group of idiots.

I'm hurting for him tonight (like near tears) and I wish there was something I could do right now to make it all better for my brother, as I respect him, honour him and love him in so many ways, it's amazing. Despite his flaws, despite his Norwegian Stubborness (I have it too) and despite all the crap he does, he's still got mounds of goodness in him that breaks through every day.

And I hurt for him. I hope I can be there for him and will do my damndest to support him in every way I can. Because one single thing remains after all this.

He is my only brother.

That is all.

[Gruber]

I don't know what to say in the way of advice, but good luck to you and him.

[Kid Ego]

It may not seem like much to a good portion of the people here, Aaron, but my prayers are with you and your brother.

Keep the faith man...

[Avalon]

Seahawk, you may have very well received the best gift to your relationship that could have happened. That being, your brother choosing you to open up to.

Teendom is hell for some and with his increasing frustration, your willing to be there for him (via lunch engagements and conversation) is a great support mechanism, and one I would encourage to help rebuild or tighten the friendship between you both.

Sometimes, venting is all that is needed. With your shoulders/ears to lean on, hopefully your words of encouragement and advice will suffice.

If not, you may want to suggest that he speak to a professional to help seek out the answers he's looking for.

At any rate, good luck! I hope it draws you closer than ever.

[Capt. Eucalyptus]

You've got my prayers (of course) and I hope everything goes well. I don't have a brother so I don't really know what it's like, but it sounds like you are doing a good thing by reaching out to him when he's hurting. Be there for him the same way you would any close friend.

The way I understand it and by looking at my Mom's relationship with her siblings, friendship isn't guaranteed with your brother. It will take work on both of your parts and it sounds like you are both willing to work.

As for his faith you let God handle that. Pray for him and show him a good example and our Father will take care of the rest.

[kittyinjammies]

In my opinion, the greatest gift (and coping tool) that you can give your brother is your love. Your unequivocal support.

Sounds like you have a good handle on this.

I wish you the best of luck, Aaron.

[Sister Gracie Lou]

What can you do?

CHUDenver's Seahawk:
I respect him, honour him and love him in so many ways, it's amazing.There is your answer. You are already there. You can't fix things for him, but you can continue to support him as you are already doing. You are a fine brother, Sea.

[Momotaro]

You and your brother are in my thoughts and prayers as well. I wish him ease of transition as he's going through this rough time, and by being a good brother, especially by listening and being there for him to talk to, that's the greatest thing you can do.

Keep us posted on how he is (and you are) doing.

[Seahawk]

Thank you all for the words. I basically needed to just vent my thoughts and this was the best place to do so.

I'm taking him out Sunday night for food and hang out time so I can talk to him in person instead of online.

Thank you all very kindly. Thank you.

[_New__Order_]

kittyinjammies:
In my opinion, the greatest gift (and coping tool) that you can give your brother is your love.always... and tell him some of the things you just told us up there...