Nate,

>From one soldier to another, I salute you. Thank you for your service,
>and your determination to adapt, modify and overcome (yes, like any
>cliche, very true).

I totally agree with you on the healing aspect of woodworking,
particularly doing so with handtools. No more tailed demons reflecting
the crude & harsh aspect of our styrofoam cup throwaway culture. You
hang in there, buddy.

Nous Defions,

Mark Harrell ---- 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
>
>
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