I'm so sorry your brother had such a troubled life. It is heart-breaking that he didn't get the help he needed -- especially early on when he was a child. I'm also sorry that your younger sister was victimized. It's such a horrible situation.

My little brother was adopted and had similar issues to your brother as a child. He went to reform school for the first time at the age of 12 and stopped going to school at 13. He was very bright, but his behaviour and inability to pay attention got him expelled. He spent quite a bit of time in jail after he turned 18 and then he spent time in rehab (very helpful). It wasn't until he was in his 20s that we found out the reason for so many of his behaviours and challenges -- he had Fetal Alcohol Effects. We are incredibly fortunate that he has struggled through, getting support and doing well now -- staying out of jail and has had a full-time job for nearly 2 years.

I wish your brother could have found the help he needed. I agree with you about prevention. It's not right that we have to wait for something horrible to happen before a person gets the help they need.

I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain and is in a place of love and peace now. I hope you can find some peace and solace in your own mind. Once again, my condolences. This is so sad and I'm so sorry this has happened and you're in such pain.