jo
I'm so sorry that you are dealing with addiction once again in your life. Once is more than any one person should ever have to deal with.
The money......cash is tough.....there's no paper trail. There's no absolute proof of what happened. You've made it clear to him that you believe that he took it. Unless guilt overtakes him (don't hold your breath), he'll never admit it and you'll never see the money again. He knows the truth and he knows that you probably know--his only defense is denial. No reason to push for a confession that is unlikely to happen.
Talking to God. I've had my share of talks with God. Sometimes I've had to wait for quite a while before he finally answered me and I had to recognize the answer when it was presented. Sit quietly.
I understand how badly your mother's heart hurts.
gentle hugs