@quimbie
Good morning @quimbie,
Things sound a bit scary at these times: Trusting in others and oneself can be very challenging and at times creates more apprehension. I have a daughter who will be 61 this month and she has lived in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands on and off for some 20 years. Currently, she resides in the states, and she and I have had similar conversations such as you and your son. We can only share our experiences and listen to their responses: In this way, both parties have additional opportunities for deeper understandings of any situations and I, personally believe, that just being there, involved in any conversation with our children, usually turns out to be fruitful. Usually, we are never aware that we have helped, but life kind of works itself for the better sometimes, if we just have a bit of faith in ourselves and others.
Keep on encouraging him and listening to him; sometimes that is all our job as parents allows us to do. He's fortunate to have you in his life and it sounds like he is quite responsible for the management of his human needs and limitations. And, of course, always have faith in tomorrows.
Jofree