For me, there is a part of me, the kid who's skeptical anyone can and will really "show up" for her, who casts a suspicious eye on others and watches what they do rather than what they say. I tend to dismiss people who say they will or they want to be there for me.

This would mean a lot to me. Of course I'm sure he could have caught up on his paperwork or done other work if you didn't show. And it was brave of you to take the risk and learn that sometimes risk taking brings benefits in interpersonal relationships. What he did encourages you to continue to take risks in therapy and provides a kind of symbolic security that he'll be there.