if someone says something that catches my eye ...
That statement caught my eye so here's my input: Eccl. 3:6.
The son finally gave up hope that his father would cooperate in straightening out (to the extent possible) the past or in helping him come to terms with what had happened. The son was right to give up hope and to move on, the father's words left little doubt that he was unwilling to explain or make amends. It's sad when things work out this way but it happens; at least now the son is standing on solid ground.
Earlier this week I read this somewhere: "Don't worry about the people in your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it into your future." When it's family it really hurts but the statement still makes sense.
.02 from AnneB