Hey, Nate! Glad to hear from you again. I was afraid we had lost you  
from this group.

If you are getting any woodworking done, or even started, let us know.  
Also if you are rehabbing any of the rust I or others sent you, let us  
know about that too. We love to hear about that stuff.

I think you will find the fellowship here to be good therapy. I know I  
do.

On May 29, 2008, at 10:13 AM, 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
>
>

The Oldmillrat in Riverside CA

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