Hello and well done for getting back in touch with your brother. It' s bound to be awkward at first , so be brave.  Forgiveness for past hurts is the key,  if you hold on to a grudge it will damage you both......but if you can put the past behind you it will help you reconnect. 

You're going to find him changed in appearance as he's been through a lot. Try not to be shocked .He'll not have much energy to talk .Just treat him as you did before the split and remember that you once loved him ... you can make this easier for you both .

We're having a visit from our eldest son today ...haven't been in touch for ages....but his Dad is terminal with oropharangeal cancer and wants to see him. His twin sister visits twice a week and does so much to help us both. Our younger boy cut his family out of his life unexpectedly 5 years ago , no one knows why , and it's hurt us very much . But .....If he was to contact the family we'd all welcome him with forgiveness and love .

I hope your visit goes well and brings your family closer .

Z

Hi Z.

Thank you for your response and your kind words and advice.

It would appear that I have come to the right place.

I hope that you too reconcile things with your eldest son.

I am sad to hear that your younger son has cut you off.

I do not understand why, in my case at least, the slight that created the rift between my brother and I was less than trivial, but the passing of time seems to make it harder to get back to somewhere near.

I wish you and your family all the very best.

SPP