The DU Lounge

In late 1999, I found my brother after almost 20 years apart. I cry telling this because we used to be very close when I lived with my father between foster homes and group homes. We met a couple of times and would talk about our differences as he was very rigidly religious and very strict as a parent and I was more rebellious and questioning of authority etc...
Into the summer of 2000, every time I would call him, he would answer with a hello and some version of "Hey, I was just thinking about you" all the while never receiving a single call initiated by him. Apparently, he was terrified that I was a bad influence on his kids and would lead them into temptation and rebellion.
Here we are 25 years later, and he still refuses to speak to me even though his kids are in their late 20's and early 30's.
To condemn a sibling to 25 years of familial purgatory if you will, after 20 years of separation reminds me that family is based on the foundation of love and if that isn't there, then there really isn't one, no matter a shared name or lineage.