Letters to the Editor
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Be Part of the Solution
Your brother may be an "asshole" for leaving now, but would he be more of one if he pulled the rug out from under the kid later, when he is actually aware of it? It's hard to say.
The bottom line is that he has left, and now you can help him. Encourage him to be a great Dad. Encourage him to support the mother of his child, be responsible, help her out, keep the lines of communication open, be patient when she is exhausted and frustrated and take it out on him. Remind him to offer to take care of his son often, to help with the shopping, to pitch in when the kid is sick, or needs to be disciplined, or needs new shoes. Whatever it takes! Hell, do the same yourself. Be the best uncle you can be. Your brother and his ex have given you a gift! When you visit, offer to baby sit, or fold the laundry, or give her a foot massage. Remember how much you like her, and make sure she knows that you see her and her son as family, and that you have their backs. Remember to send them all birthday cards. Call at Christmas. Write often. Be supportive. Be the family you always wished you had.
Good luck.