Echos, I would absolutely feel similar if I sent my T a "Happy Mother's Day" message and she responded in the way your T did. You certainly were not putting yourself "alongside" his children, you were simply expressing a heartfelt sentiment. I feel it should have been accepted as such, but T's use these times to dig deep. I saw that comment CE said about drawing the child out and abandoning them again - that hit me like a ton of bricks. It feels exactly like that sometimes. And, in your instance, I can feel that pain along with you. I think you have a wonderful T, a conclusion I have come to through reading your words. I can feel the love you have for him and I think his care for you comes through in your words as well.

But as much as he cares, it does sound like he is drawing a line in the sand, separating you from them. That feels deeply hurtful

I'm not sure why you are feeling like you are coming to an end. Is there something else going on? I think this issue can be talked about - share with him how this has made you feel. I know you've already talked about it, but maybe you need to explore this very thing with him several more times until it is resolved.