You handled your situation w/your mother the right way. I wouldn't lie to her about whether your son is enjoying his gifts or not. He called her and thanked her for them and that should have been enough. Your son was doing the right thing and that is what I call a polite young man. That should have been enough for your mother. Whether he uses the items or not is none of her concern once the gift was acknowledged.
BTW, glad to hear that the caulk showed up. LOL!
Do not think for one minute that you are a bad person. You are handling the situations that come up w/grace and dignity. Continue as you have been. Don't give their "expectations" a second thought. It's what you expect of yourself that counts.
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.
