Slowly, welcome back! I'm sorry about the chest infection and glad the brandy is helping .
This is such good news. He is addressing family issues--can you just imagine how much of that tension has been directed at you all this time?--and opening up to you about it. And YOU are giving him space to do so.
The Bowen family systems therapy folks would be so proud . Harriet Lerner all the way.
In all seriouness, this is the stuff of healing on a deeper level and I am so GLAD for you.