What would you do had you been in his shoes?

A few days back, a close friend of mine came to me with a somber mood; he was unusually down. As I enquired he let his burden out - he asked me: "What would you do for someone for whom you've been the major brotherly support, emotionally; financially; on the ground on a daily basis; someone for whom you are the son they've never had, and the brother anyone would only dream of having. Someone for whom you sacrifice hours of your day, and stay on the alert 24/7 for any urgency or mishap. Someone who tells you all the good things you should want to hear, but shows none at all in actions; in other words, there are no jestures whatsoever, and when their own biological kin are there, you see with your own eyes the kind of treatment you expect, but never get. You are supposedly one of the family - of their home, but you're often surprised to find that there are limits, which surprisingly, others from the outside don't seem to heed, or even have to.

"This is becoming so confusing, and enraging, and I fear it might at some time sever our relationship for good. So what do you suggest I do; have it laid open on the table, or simply walk away? I understand one walking away on one's acquaintances; one's sweetheart; one's work mates...but on one's own family? For Christ's sake, we're family, man!!!"

I listened with great surprise, knowing exactly who he was referring to, and frankly, couldn't believe there were such invisible things within that relashinship which I thought I saw so clear and beautiful before my eyes. I hate to see it over, to tell you frankly, and so I thought of asking your opinion and advice. They're both very lovable people, so I think we all should give them a hand.