@BlueStateBabe Thanks for asking. It went splendidly, after all. He really needed some breathing room last night and I can appreciate that . Went to work on time and even went to a second job tutoring after his first day.
He sent me a picture of himself on the trail by the school before class started. My poor worried mom brain thought he might he might just keep walking and not go to work! Sense of relief!

@ACG2 Oh, it's so good to hear this!

I think the sense of personal worth a kid gains from helping others and seeing the positive impact they create does wonders for directing them towards the higher path.

Actually, that's true of all of us, but especially important during the turbulent teen years.

Glad they had a good day!

@BlueStateBabe Many thanks for good wishes and prayers. I was on pins and needles until he came home.

Root cause (lack of good relationship with his father) is still an issue but with therapy and time might get resolved.