Asking God to soften someones heart may be asking God to do something to a person that is against their will. If TB does not want to answer the phone, God cannot make him answer the phone. God cannot make TB love you any more than He can make you stop loving TB. God's Will should be your desire in any situation.
The best way to change your circumstances around you and to have the people around you do some changing is found in this verse of the Bible, the Word.
Proverbs 4:20-23 (ASV)
20 My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
You, your flesh, your family will all be affected if "you" will make Jesus and God your main focus in life. Read the Word daily, especially the New Testament. Read it, memorize passages, speak passages aloud, mediate on the Words you have read. Sing praise songs, worship the Lord, And love others around you. Love them like Jesus does and says to do. When you do these things the people around you, your family, shall change. Keep your focus on Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit.
In the name of Jesus, I bless you with the life of God