Portia, The mlcer does sense when we are withdrawing from their drama and that's why they begin contacting us again and acting out because they want our attention and yes, to suck us back in. The less we react, the better and it makes them work that much harder in trying to get our attention and then one day, they realize that they have to try something different. Sometimes, they use the nice person once and then the nasty person the next time around.
I don't think that by cutting contact for a while will kill any possibility of him leaving you alone totally. They can't seem to let us go because we are the apron string to their past and they need us to be right where they left us. We are the stable force in their lives and yet, they, like toddlers, can't seem to let us go once they begin exploring the world in toddler steps. So, if it will give you a bit of peace for a while, consider going dimmer.
As for him taking a holiday at the end of January, that could be anyone's guess. Maybe it's the time when work is slow or he may have had a ski trip planned he just wanted to spend some time at home for a change...I wouldn't dwell on this very long because nothing they do makes sense to us.
I'm glad your parent is doing as well as can be expected. Every minute you spend w/your parent is precious and those memories will be w/you for the rest of your life. That's why it is so important not to be focusing in during this time. I know I continue to tell you this, but it's very, very important that you keep the focus on what is important right now...your parent and yes, yourself.
I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
