I think the do have deaf ears but sometimes it seems like words spoken can be seeds, I have seen it with mine .. might be months later but all the sudden she would say something and I think ... Huh .. that one took and sprouted ... not often but can happen.
I do sense in Mighty's sitch her H does feel something .. may never show it nor say it (Again .. seems PAR for MLC) he wants some sort of connection with his kids, out of guilt, selfisness ... who knows .. but he does attempt to reach out towards them which I think is a good thing .... granted ... the fool does not realize he is grasping for a hornets nest and seems oblivious to the pain he caused ... once he is truley remorseful maybe there is a chance for him with his kids .. I dunno .. thats alot of hurt and alot of pain.