I think your h has begun some reconnection w/his parents.

I wouldn't say he's been in MLC for 20 years, but he's been stuck in one of his life transitions. I have this sense that your h has had a difficult time navigating all of his life transitions since he was a teenager and he may have been slightly stuck and took on the personna he's had for many years. Some do have a difficult time and find other activities to focus on versus doing the hard work of looking within. Your h may be one of them. It's possible that w/his parents' recent health issues, it's ignited a little spark in him to inch forward a bit. Time will tell if he changes now that he's older and is facing mortality by reconnecting w/his parents.

I seriously doubt that I've answered your questions, but it is very likely that what I posted may be the case in your h's situation.

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.