In what sense do you mean "they did not UNDERSTAND (your upper case font) him"? As a person? As a musician? For his choice of career? I quoted Agatha's comment in this thread. And she certainly undestood what Bix was doing as a musician with Whiteman. How do you really know they did not understand him?
I agree with your comment about Bix's parents "always took him back and sheltered him when the going got too rough." As a matter of fact, here are some quotes from my Power Point presentation for the Bix Festival.
The Facts
- Was welcomed at home when in need of recuperation.
- Spent Sep 16-Oct 14, 1929 at home
Patient at the Keeley Institute Oct 14-Nov18, 1929 (Bix’s
brother, Burnie, helped Bix with admission and discharge.
Nov 18, 1929-April 17, 1930 at home (except for the month
at the Institute and a couple of side trips, Bix spent seven
months at home.)
- Oct 10-Feb 6, 1930 at home (four months)
-Even when not in need of help. Bix spent time at home
- During the first three weeks of July 1928, Paul Whiteman's
orchestra was in Chicago. The band played in the Chicago,
Uptown, and Tivoli Theatres. Early in July, Bix recorded with
Trumbauer's orchestra and with His Gang. Burnie was present
during the July 7 recording session.
At the end of the engagements, Whiteman gave his men a
three-week vacation. Bix headed home immediately and spent
his entire vacation in Davenport.
Does that sound like a son having strained relations with his
family? Burnie visits Bix in Chicago, Bix spends all of his
vacation (three whole weeks, for goodness sake!) at home.