I have not heard from my eldest son in two years not a phone call, letter, email or text message. I have tried numerous times to get in contact with him without a reply. This year he is turning 21 and his brother has asked if I could contribute to his brother's birthday gift. I have texted message my eldest son without a reply. I feel that I should not give the $$ asked as the eldest son does not talk with me. Any advice in this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Give the request and keep the lines of communication open.

As much as it might grieve you, one day he will be older and may need an open door to home.

If god forbid he was ever in trouble don't you want him to feel he can always come home,whatever has happened in the past it can be forgiven and you can both move on,that day may be a bit in the future,but if you close the door it won't ever happen.

Keep trying.

Did anything in particular happen to create this rift? If it were me, I would give the money. Why? Because he is your son, and that is reason enough. It is not going to help anything if you withhold a few dollars for a birthday gift. The only reason not to contribute is if you cannot afford it. And if that is true, then say so, and say nothing about your son to the other brother. It does not help to discuss one with the other.