Hi. Im up because I just got home from work.
This is my take.
Your son is not down. He robbed somebody. I dont know the details...pointing a gun, assaulting them, etc, but they are the victims, not your son. And he isnt down because of bad luck or ill health, which he has no control over. He is in prison for his own behavior. Has he cried real tears for his victims?
in my opinion you talk to your son too often and expect too much from him. I dont think you said anything wrong, however i think its a waste of time. If he were listening to your wise words, he wouldnt have done things that landed him in prison twice. My advice, which can be taken or left, is not to talk to him so often and not to believe you can affect his behavior or thinking by what you say. When you talk to him just agreeing and saying "thats tough" etc. and getting off fast would probably frustrate you less. You also dont need to talk to him so often. By constantly acceptng his calls, you keep this man child in your head 24/7. There is more to your life than your son who cant seem to chose to be a law abiding adult. You have other people, your hobbies, the things you love to do etc.
If you feel guilty, he is a prime time manipulator. Nobody brought him down but himself and his indefensible victimization of strangers who never harmed him. And he wants sympathy?
Look, i know you still love him, and of course you do, but right now he is not a good man and you dont owe him comfort. Comfort hasnt helped him. Time in my opinion to think about what Teri needs and stop letting ypur son rent a free room in your mind. There is nothing you can do for your son, only for yourself.
Have a nice night. You did nothing wrong.