I'm sorry, Steph. I hope it all works out in the best way possible.

So sorry, Tep. Hang in there and make sure you take care of yourself as well.

Love and strength to you and your family Tep.

I'm so sorry, Teppy. Your brother is lucky to have you.

{{Steph and family}}

I talked to my brother this morning. He says that part of what was going on was a very bad depression black hole, where he didn't get out of bed or leave the apartment for 36 hours. He totally admitted that he drank, but said he only had 4 airline bottles of vodka (basically a shot apiece). t edit I'm amused that I blithely used the word "only", as if 4 shots of vodka is no big deal. Dysfunction FTW.

Aside from the fact that he shouldn't be drinking, period, that amount is not nearly as bad as I thought. He also sounded much better today, and he said that the way he feels today is night and day compared to yesterday.

I told him I was worried because his wife is out of the country and all his friends leave today for the retreat and I thought he needed to not be alone and I would fly out there. He said that he doesn't want anyone to come out there right now, but that he'll let me know right away if things get worse and he needs me to come out there.

That's not my preference, obviously; I'd rather go out there now. But this is a fine line. He's an autonomous adult, and even though I'm worried about him, I have to respect his wishes.

So for now I'm not going. But I have my plan on standby.

Oh, Teppy, what a roller coaster. I have done that dance more times than I care to count. The feelings of powerlessness and worry and love and rage are so overwhelming. Sounds like you have the right distance and understanding of this, though. I wish strength to your whole family.

Go Team Standby Teppy.

Will he call if there's a problem?

He will, yeah. He knows that this is serious, but he's trying to deal with it on his own. He's not pretending it isn't serious, but he currently believes that he doesn't need help.