You didn't stumble, Tree, and you haven't failed;
you are taking things as they come.

When you feel strong enough for a break, you take a break;
when you want to express gratitude to T, you send him a book;
when you want to check that you're on the right path, you check with him;
when you need reinforcements, you ask for them;

it's all OK. Really!

if you would not allow yourself his support at all, out of feelings of "failure" or what not - that would be a problem, but this is no problem. You are doing fine. When the two of you get together again he will tell you so