I've seen this scenario in a couple of families that I've known. Actually, what is happening to your brother is possibly the worst thing. Some mothers select a child - could be the youngest, or could be the eldest - that they want to hold onto for fear of being alone as they get older. It's a terrible thing to do to a child, but I have seen it. That child seems to get all the favoring, but look at the price. That child never grows up . . . never becomes his own person. Some day, when your mother isn't around, your brother will be a very lost soul. You'll be the one left to worry about him.

You mother is not likely to change. Down the line the consequences may be very sad. This is not a trivial problem. And to be honest, it's really hard for you to know what to do. This mother-son relationship is extremely unhealthy, but they hare arrived at something that is working for them, meeting some emotional needs that each of them has. Be glad you got out and made your own life.