Keep on, keeping on!

[azguy]

Very interesting set of posts, reb. Your setting yourself and others to high standards is something I can relate to. It can be a real trap sometimes. It does tend to shut off our empathy. It's a good topic to meditate on, I've found.

I understand you're looking for remorse from him. I guess I wasn't so much arguing that it might not come, but that it won't come in the order you'd like. You might need to work on your R awhile before you can be open enough with him about how this hurt you, in a way that he doesn't feel defensive about it.

Great you could share you health issues with H. This didn't sound easy to do. Why did you decline H's offer to accompany you? Maybe it's too soon, but this seems like an area you could continue to repair the bond between you.

I like your idea of praising his willingness to go on the trip with his mother. You sound impressed with his maturity. Just tell him that casually; don't overdo it. He gave you an opening by admitting it's not a great time, but his reply makes it sound like he is trying his best.