First, let me say Bless You, as you have had to deal with much pain.
I came from a emotionally abusive family, as did my younger brother. I have not done as well as I would like, but have managed to do better than I thought I could. My brother has never recovered. He never will. He does not hurt others (other than me, as I try to clean up the messes he makes), but he is destroying himself.
You ask how two kids from the same family can take from it two totally different views of how to live. Different people, I guess.
MOgirl
Thank you. {{HUGS}} I too grew up in an abusive home, and my sister and I are radically different (exact opposites really) in the way we have dealt with our past and the way we view the world, and how we treat others... Unfortunately, I don’t think she’ll ever “get it”...
May G-d bless you as well, and may He give you strength and comfort as you deal with your brother and his problems. Prayers for him as well. :)