Thank you for your service.
Nathanael Meadows wrote:
> Dear Galoots,
>
> My name is Nate Meadows and I owe so many of you my
> life, quite literally as you saved me from a very dark
> place. You all have shown that you have exceptional
> character and courage as you reached out and helped a
> stranger. That shows amazing bravery and faith. I
> would like to fill the void alittle so that I am no
> longer a stranger in the dark.
>
> I am 27 years old, a youngster among men here:). I am
> a twin with 5 brothers and three sisters. I was born
> in Susanville California. My father is a Family
> Practitioner and my mother is a Family Psychologist. I
> started working with wood when I was five. My father
> was and still is building a huge timberframe home in
> the mountains for my mother. All the lumber is off his
> own land. He would give me a chisel and mallet and let
> me "work" on the cut offs and scrapes.
>
> All through grade school and highschool I worked for
> him on the house. I learned to do everything from
> framing, joinery, to roofing. I never stopped working
> on the house. I even chopped of the tip of my thumb in
> his new Jet Table Saw when I was home from college.
>
> I quit college after two years, much to the
> disappointment of my parents and joined the Army. It
> was what I was born to do. Almost very picture I have
> of me when I was young shows my enthusiasm for the
> American Military. I wanted to serve my flag and
> country. (Sounds like a clique but it is true.)
>
> I became a Combat Medic and deployed to Iraq in
> October 2003 with the very first Army Stryker Brigade
> from Ft. Lewis. ("after the war was over") I was
> wounded on October 9, 2004, my wife's birthday. I had
> been in so many engagements and they almost got me
> three weeks before I was going home.
>
> Anyway, I really wanted to stay in the Army as it was
> where I belonged so I hide the effects of my injury
> for as long as I could. I was re-assigned to the Old
> Guard at Arlington National Cemetery where I was able
> to wade the waters of time, but soon everything came
> crashing down.
>
> I am now being retired from active duty and was
> struggling to grab life. I literally did not want to
> exist anymore. The dark claws of depression sank
> deeper into my mind and body each day. I was not sure
> what the heck I was going to do.
>
> During one of my visits with my doctor I was reminded
> of my love for wood working. Almost nothing can beat
> the smell of sawdust in the air, the feel of a smooth
> finished plank or the beauty of a figured board. Its
> almost erotic. I didn't have a shop but the memory
> inspired me to find a way to "adapt and overcome" as
> they teach us in the army. This was what I could do
> and be productive, busy and love it.
>
> I decided to write some letters, swallow my enormous
> pride as best I could and ask for help. Eddie of Adria
> Tools rescued me and introduced me to you all. Just as
> I was a the edge of losing all hope you all came to my
> aid.
>
> I am now in a much brighter world. I have a beautiful
> wife of almost 8 years of marriage, a very brilliant 6
> year old son and a healthy 7 month old son. Each day
> is new. New friends come to stand behind me and help
> me get my shop together. I am slowly graduating from
> the baby stages of the shop and all of it is due to
> the kindness of people all over the world, literally.
>
> I owe a debt far greater than I could ever pay to all
> of you who had the courage to believe in a stranger.
> Each tool is a spark of hope and each kind word is
> healing medicine.
>
> I hope that this helps you know me alittle better. I
> know there is so much more but I do not what to bore
> you. If you have any question, seriously ask. It is
> the least I can do to thank you for your kindness.
>
> I apologize for the lateness and I thank each of you
> for your kindness support and generosity.
>
> Very Respectfully and Gratefully,
>
> Nate Meadows
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
>
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/
>
> OldTools@r...
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|