Virtue (for lack of a better term) does not consist of feeling virtuous but of doing virtuous things. You have done a virtuous thing, and discovered that “virtue is its own reward.” You have learned a lesson about working with people that you could not learn without doing that virtuous thing, you have great stories to tell and you have spread smiles along your route. Coming to understand your brother is a great bonus. I think that pretty much defines “success” for me. I know from experience that different journeys have different rewards; this one may be the one with the greatest spiritual benefit.