North It sounds like he is poking his head out of the tunnel. I think that is all he feels comfortable with at first. Checking to see if he will be accepted, or punished, etc.
Several folks mentioned waiting six months to see ...
See what? I may have missed it but I don't recall him asking to come home, or ILY. He seems to be at the point of wanting to restore family ties and a freindship. You can meet as a family and do things as friends without waiting any longer than you are comfortable.
Now letting him jump back into your heart? That may not be something he'll feel safe trying to do for some time. He's still testing memories of the life he lost. There's a big divide to cross if he ever actually wants to live on that side of MLC again. And for him, there's no clear bridge to cross. He will have to build one and he may not have healed enough or have the strength for a while.
You may have to decide when and if you healed enough and gained the strengt to help build a bridge. He may stay comfortable for a long time with just getting to be Dad again public and family events. Its like he is over on his side of the crisis but trying to see life on the brighter side.
No pressure, so don't create any for yourself. Don't form expectations and tests too soon - as failure could be built in. Expect to find a friend if you want one and behave like one. Friends can be wonderful and sometimes they grow into much more.
