In my opinion...he's having moments of clarity and possibly does want to reconnect and spend more time in the home and w/your son and possibly w/you. Actions always speak louder than words and if he's consistent, then he may be on the road to feeling more comfortable w/himself and feels safe to come into your home.
The little kitten is still there, so drop the catnip and see if he follows it.
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.
