Your h sounds like he's slowly but surely getting his head screwed on right. He's done a lot of deep thinking and his conversation w/you was very good. He's been reflective of his past and he's admitted that you both had the bar set very high in your goals for life. I find it very interesting that he now is looking at that bar and is lowering it to a more reasonable level.
I think you should listen to what he said and go on your trip. You do need a break and your sister will be in good hands at the hospital. If something should happen, they'll contact you.
I would continue as you have been, i.e., listening and being a friend to your h. I do think he's slowly realizing that life is what you make it and that includes finding the happiness within. I would still continue to keep my expectations near zero I wouldn't change a thing at this time because he still has a ways to go. However, I do see a lot of progress, as to whether it's a moment of clarity or if he's really starting to wake up...time will tell...but I do like how he's communicating w/you.
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.
