I was just thinking this cadence..
I truly admire your persistence jeanne. I gave up long ago. (Maybe not that long ago but it seems like it) The difference is, I never got anywhere. Lots of steps back but none forward. The more I talked the more he shut down. I'm afraid it caused a lot of damage in our relationship.
I guess what I'm trying to say is at least he tried for you- so maybe there is hope after all...