I like the place you are at with your situation. I am familiar with hanging on too long to something not worth it. {my exh}. I am so sorry about your brother. I can't imagine how painful that must be. It must make the r pain seem lke a sick joke. If that event became the catalyst for you to push on into the future, then I think it's one of many powerful & mysterious blessings that your brother can offer you from here forward.
I had my wake up call after surviving a car accident. As I was recovering from the injuries I let go of the ex. Life is too short to waste any of it pining away for some jerk.
I am hopeful my current sitch will perk up in terms of XBF, if not, I certainly don't want to require another jolt of emotional shock therapy to make me wake up and drop the rope!
What your stbx is doing is such a final disgusting frustrating act. Dragging his feet now after bringing you to this place. Well he can't postpone it forever, esp. with your connections! It will end and the gavel will bang.
Now, what's our cocktail this eve?