Go to the store and buy him his favorite snack. Say nothing and let his feelings flow. Tonight I blew up at my wife but it really was because I was terrified of a job interview I had to go to. Not just that I might get the job, but almost worse that I would get it and fail again. Oh and as for women being the rock in a relationship.
Water is stronger than rock.
Look at the Grand Canyon. As for my outburst at my wife. Yes, it probably wasn't right, but you know it's also human. We All do those sorts of things hence the need for forgiveness and patience. Your husbands mother may have died at 12 but not his image or concept.