I disagree. How many peeps get to interact with animals like you do? Only because you like it and want to - then actually do it. Nothing wrong with navigating your own path man. There’s real freedom from that. Much to be admired imo. Not many can honestly say they made a positive difference in the world. No matter how small it may seem. You’re a good dude. Don’t sell yourself short.
I agree with cornfed Speedy, You've got a big heart. We need more people like you in this world. I'm about 600 miles away from your bro or I would go over there for you. I hope you get your answer, surely there's someone here that can recon for you.
He may say he doesn't want you to check on him and will probably be mad, but personally I would do it. If he's still alive he'll forgive you. If not, now you know. Good luck. You put yourself in difficult situations but you seem like a good dude, and an entertaining character.
This. Years ago I had a good friend in another city who called to say he had been diagnosed with AIDS. Then he cut off all communication. I had a lot of connections in the town, and discreetly asked after him, found he was still alive, and had a message passed to him to ask him to call me. He called me mad as hell for sending my contacts out looking for him. I replied that as a good friend, it was unacceptable for him to tell me he had AIDS and then cut me off . We remained friends, and in communication after that till he passed in February 1989. Call your brother.
I think people in that type of situation say they don't want contact and actually believe it, but deep down they do want contact with their friends and family. I'm sure having MS or AIDS and being a shadow of your former self in front of your friends is what they want to avoid, not contact per se.