THE PROBLEM: Is there a safe way to discuss a prodigal-son issue with Dad before that son actually returns?

摘要

I'm planning to rejoin my father on our family farm in the spring, but I have a big concern. After college graduation, I wanted to experience the world, so I joined the Army. It was a good experience, but it was something I didn't want to repeat.The concern is my brother, Aaron, who's three years younger. He's now working in the energy industry (currently offshore oil, but talking a lot about shale and fracking these days). He says he's never coming back to the farm. He means it now, but I knowhim. It could be five, even 10 years, but after he sows his oats, he'll be back. And I want him to come back. He's a great guy - smart, hardworking, and a good friend. But I'm very worried about all the investment of time and effort I'll put into the farm before he finds himself and decides to come home and claim his half of the farm I helped to build.