When he first arrives in Ackerman's Field, Abner is forced to contend not only with his deteriorating health, but with what he sees as the death and destruction of everything he holds dear. Growing old is a difficult cross for any of us to bear. But to lose his beloved farm—brimming with the memories of his beloved Ellen—to the very people he most despises? To see his way of life overturned by those who would do away with it altogether? That's a difficult "last go 'round" to swallow. Abner's hatred for the setting of the metaphorical Evening Sun is deep, virulent, and understandable.
His change of heart is understandable, as well. His acceptance of old age's inevitable decline reveals him to be less selfish and less stubborn than his actions with Choat would suggest, and Choat has played no small part in that realization. Rather than breaking under the weight of his self-inflicted suffering (and under the guilt he feels over his indefensible actions towards his opponents) Abner learns from them. Late though it may be, he finally recognizes that peace comes not from getting what one wants, but from wanting what one gets. His age—the setting of his evening sun—is not within his control; learning to cope with it, however, is.
We humans have a long and venerable tradition of kicking against the goads (Acts 26:14). Thankfully, we can eventually learn to accept them.
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