I also am sorry this happened to you. I know it must sting; my brother is not always kind to me, and my neice ignored me, though things have gotten better in recent years.

I think you did the right thing. Things can never get better, even a little bit, unless someone takes the step of reaching out. And being rebuffed. I do not think my bro and I will ever be close, bec. of things that were said and done, but sending little cards, emails, spaced far apart, eventually overcame a no-contact-at-all rift caused by a huge fight we had, that included me striking him.

You done good.