How is the relationship between Deel and his family described in the beginning of "The Stars are Falling"?

Deel can hardly remember the joy of his wife, and his son no longer remembers him. When he arrives home from the war, Mary Lou can hardly believe it is him. She tells him how helpful Tom has been and asks him if he's been with another woman. Deel is honest, although the encounter was strictly for release and she seems to forgive him.