Jenn says a lot of good things....
Remember also that bdsm relationships are something additional to any other relationship. A family crisis can make it really difficult for somebody to put themselves out there. Sometimes when you're having a hard time in life what you want takes a back seat to whatever else is happening, or simply isn't where you're focusing your energy. Everybody does this, and it's not a sign of disinterest or neglect, just a shuffling of personal priorities.