It gave you some measure of peace. [It didn't make it instantly better and perfect, and he didn't change his mind entirely. But it was something. And more than what some people get when talking with caretakers/parents. Not that it's a competition, of course.]
[Speaks calmly, gently. You're being a dick but he expected it considering what he's dealing with, and he knows it's not about him - so if you're expecting him to get angry with you, it's not going to happen]