This is the first time I have done anything like this so please pardon me if I have posted this in the wrong forum. The reason I am doing this is because I am having a very difficult time dealing with some issues regarding my Mother and Brother. There is too much to tell so I will try and keep this as close to the point as possible. I'm 40 years old, the oldest of 5 children and the only girl. I have always been my brothers primary care takers and have always been very close to them. My brothers are 38, 26, 24 and 21. The youngest two are from my Dad's second marriage. My 38 year old brother and I used to be very close until about 8 years ago after I divorced my husband of 14 years, they were very close. After the divorce me and my brothers relationship changed, he had a very difficult time dealing with it and held a lot of resentment towards me even though he knew my ex was abusive. My brother and I no longer speak to eachother which I am very sad about but feel is probably for the best. Over the last several years my brother has made it his mission to try and alienate me from the rest of the family. He and his wife have spread rumors and lies about me and even gave our younger brothers an ultimatum (sp?), "It's her or me." I have kept my feelings quiet and to myself because the rest of the family should not be involed in our "feud"...he seems to think differently and I don't know what to do about it. There is so much to say, so much to tell and I know I can't explain everything right now but at least this is a start. He and his wife are tearing my life apart and my heart is broken.
Am truly sorry that you have been though this pain of emotional abuse. My opinion is that your brother shouldn't be speaking of your relationship problems to anyone but you. Am guessing your brother is causing you more pain then what you had to live through during your years of marriage. Families need to be supported of your decision even if it would inpack their lives( as he is upset about this situation). As for the other member of your family they should not be placed in the situationto "choose" between you and him. the best thing to do is speak to your fam and explain to them that you will need their support but will not want to deal with more stress of losses of relationship over this that your will be moving on. Hope this makes sense, take care.