Hey friends! Thank you for being here! If you'd like to sign up for online classes, click here: www.anneofalltrades.com/classes there's lots of other ways you can support this project- like, comment and share this video with others, or if you're looking to get financially involved, we offer a lot of behind the scenes things and other benefits through my patreon page: www.patreon.com/anneofalltrades EDIT: My incredible friend James ​ @Wood By Wright set up a go fund me: gf.me/u/za5ftf

It's only a failure if you stop trying. Taking a pause to regroup is not failure. We are behind you.

Tough times don't last. Tough people do.

Love your perseverance and spirit, Annie. No asking for handouts, but figuring out how to earn it. The reward will be so much sweeter! Can't wait to visit. Much love to you and Josh, keep pushing forward!

This might be the new best most honest video on You Tube.

Your willingness to show vulnerability, transparency, and honesty makes you one serious bad ass.

I just bought a house. It has a massive shop and land. I am looking forward to what you and Josh have to offer. I'm alone and overwhelmed. Thanks for being normal on here also. No drama. No hook lines and no acting. I value your time and energy.

Anne, as a 50+ DIY fanatic, I can really appreciate the planning and work that is standing there behind you. And the sadness of having to watch it weather. I have no time for online classes right now, but I do have time for inspiration. You are an inspiration! I have loved your content in the past and am happy to invest what I can, not for myself, but in you. Please keep moving forward. We need as much forward as we can get these days. Keep generating that awesome content. Peace.

Proud of you Anne! I know you will persevere...you are too bad ass to fail

2020, will end, your spirit will not. I'm rooting for you.

You have always been there to support others on their journeys. I am so excited to support yours. Can’t wait to learn from you online and also one day in that amazing school. 💕

If anyone can pull through all of this, I believe its you.

This was painfully hard to watch. Going through a divorce I understand some of the struggles. You're an inspiration to keep it moving forward.

Just keep thinking about how you’ll feel when the first student walks through the door and you hand them a saw or chisel. You’ll get there, you’re an amazing young woman.

Great video, Anne! You did an incredible job articulating your situation.

Last Friday I got a signed 3 year deal from a UK publicly traded company to use the SaaS product I have spent the last 4 years building. We've seen a lot of the things you have, including all the issues and uncertainties of the pandemic. But we have kept going too and it's inspiring to see someone talk so honestly about the same things. That signature page made me cry with happiness and I know from the offers coming in below that the community will get you there too. Sometimes you succeed simply because you refuse point blank to fail. I wish I had any sort of time to attend a class right now. I did just try to buy a shirt from your store but you don't offer UK shipping at the moment. So I am a new patreon instead. :). You, and April and Ashley and Abom79 and... wait I seem to only follow people with names beginning with A!... You guys are a breath of fresh air in a modern cynical world. And I wish you all the success in the world.

So proud of you! It is especially hard to lay it all out to everyone in public.

We love you Anne. My three young girls and I find your videos inspiring. For Christmas our middle kiddo asked for a toolbox. In no small part because of positive female role models like you that show them girls CAN.

Best of luck to you Anne- I admire your drive and spirit! And remember, it's NEVER wrong to dream, or hope- NEVER!

Anne, I'm an online business expert from Canada and a fellow woodworker. You inspire me. How can I help? I'll do it pro bono.

Do not give up!!!!! You can and will get through. Look at what you HAVE achieved despite 2020 and what it has thrown at you and the rest of us. You are an inspiration. With love from a keen watcher, who seldom comments, from the UK 😁❤️

“If you find yourself going thru hell, keep going” Winston Churchill. This dream of yours hasn’t been changed only the timeline. 🙏

You are loved. You are appreciated. And, you are not alone.

I am so proud of every moment of your family and friends journey. It's been a life changing year. You we're not wrong for having a dream, stay strong. We're all here for you. 🙏🏻💞

Yeah this I can’t abide. You’re doing something bigger than yourself in order to educate people. I can build, I can donate, I can take time off work. You have plenty of people that can help just think it through and give us a direction that’s best for you. You’re either born a willow or an oak and I have no question what you were born. 2020 is pushing many good people down. Let us help you push back.

Even though this has been a rough and bumpy year I know you of all people will make it work. It may take longer and more energy but it will be all worth it in the end! You got this. And we got you!

You are one of the dozen or so KZfaqrs I watch that seem truly genuine and seems to have true goodness in your heart. While I may not be able to help you financially I will watch every video and click every thumbs up I can. I hope the corner starts to turn soon for you.🤞

Your skills and knowledge are definitely as needed now as ever!! As frustrating as it is to see the dream warp into unpredicted shapes, it will not stop you from making a huge difference in this world! ❤

Having just suffered a terrible and personal loss in both my health and the job that had been my whole life this past summer, I could barely hold back my own tears listening to the pain I knew you were feeling in this video. You are a strong woman Anne. I wish you all the best, and hope some day your school house is completed and full of eager students.

Real. Honest. Vulnerable. Inspiring. Thank you, Anne, for your honesty in the midst of struggle. 2020 = The year of the Pivot. Love that.

I’m thankful you’re finding wins and persevering in such a weighty season of life. You’ve poured out your heart and soul in every aspect of your content sharing your life, passion and dreams along the way. We are so much better for it. May we never take for granted the lessons we learn as we journey through life. Just keep smiling. It captivates and propels us towards newer heights. Your dreams will be realized. I’m undoubtedly confident of that.

Great to know that you're not just giving up Anne! Dreams are wonderful, and often times the journey to make those dreams happen is difficult and plans often have to adapt and change, but if you persist, you will get there. You may well find that your online courses are actually better being done by you and Josh, rather than an "expert" because they contain more of you, and less of someone not as ch invested as you. Your building and school can be done over time. Time is something you have, and maybe you can do courses in how to construct a building and have people come and help you...free labour lol. Just remember to keep the flame alive mate! It's the long term goal that is the thing to keep in mind, and the trials along the way teach you a lot and make accomplishing the goal even better. Keep your chin up and well keep praying gor you for success and provision! Cheers Andrew and Carol in Australia

You are such an inspiration, Anne. And you're right, it's never wrong to follow your dream. The obstacles just make it sweeter at the end. Keep going, keep listening to your heart, even when it tells you to take a moment to breathe in and breathe out.

I'm a carpenter and will come help you.. If you need me, I can be there to see it thru. I don't comment often but I feel your pain. Dozer Zimbowski on FB

Your vulnerability and candidness about your situation is so admirable. Keep up the good fight Anne. You are an inspiration to so many

Hi Anne, just wanted to say that you are a huge inspiration to me. I have a similar 2020 story... started a small business in the fall of 2019, by August I had to stop and apply for jobs. As income stopped entirely in May I tried to make KZfaq a full time job, but I'm nowhere close to that. Watching my oldest daughter struggle with "laptop school" and break into tears because she couldn't follow along fast enough. It's been terrible. I have a good work from home job now and my daughter is now in a private school and doing much better, but it's still raw and painful that the things I tried to build have all failed (at least at this point). The fact that you keep going, keep making positive content and not complaining or becoming bitter... it's just so awesome.

Don't loose heart. You have come a long way. If you have the will it will happen. Maybe much slower but each step is a step toward progress and the realization of your dream. I know this because I've done it. I'm 74 years old and I build a small wood shop by myself. Ninety percent of the labor is mine. I started in April this year and I'm just now finishing it up. I found ways to get materials for either nothing for for very little cost. It's almost done. Don't give up. Put your head down and push forward. Your dream will happen.

How about hosting a class in building at your own place? It worked for Pure Living for Life. People paying to learn building, while helping you finish your project sounds like a win win idea.

Aside from my heartfelt love and support through the airwaves from England, I'm delighted to become a Patreon fluffybutt in the hope that that helps just a little bit too. You are an amazing and inspiring human being Anne with a wonderful dream which you will accomplish - you have got this! Just look at what you have achieved in such an unbelievably short time with so many darned hurdles chucked down before you - it's incredible - but way too easy to lose sight of that in the quagmire of stress. Accept the offers of practical help - anyone would be so proud to work alongside you. All my best and the biggest (safest!) hugs Jen xxx

Your ability to persevere THROUGH your struggles is truly inspiring!! Think about all of the things that you value - the greater the challenge and sacrifice, the more you treasure them. So when you go through a struggle and the worry sets in, take some time and look for the silver lining. Know that even if you can't quite make out the shape of what's to come, what lies around the bend is another milestone that you will add to your (already) amazing trove of accomplishments. While I'm already learning from your attitude, I truly look forward to being your student and learning from your hand-crafting skills! Keep smiling Anne, and thank you for sharing the ups AND downs. YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!!

Almost started crying watching your video. It is scary to not see you smiling and be happy as you are your true self. And was relieved at the end seeing you a little bit of smiling. You got great ideas and will succeed. Online courses are great, especially as you can stream them on demand later on. Greetings from Munich, Tom.

It's 'figureoutable'. I'm going to steal that word while we're using what we have to move forward and pivot through 2020. Thanks Anne. Keep your chin up.

ANNE DONT GIVE UP , WE ARE LIVING EXTREMELY HARD TIMES , WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH WHAT WE HAVE , FIGURE OUT THINGS TO OVERCOME HURDLES , I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL , TAKE SOME TIME OFF TO FIND OUT SOME NEW WAYS OF TEACHING AND DOING THINGS 👍👍👍👍👍

You have no idea how close to home this video hit for me. It brought me to tears. Single mom of two and 5 years ago bought 8 acres with my parents to make our lifelong hobby farm dreams come true with absolutely no experience and wanted to finally open it this year to share the farm life, activities and art with children and families. Building up the farm and putting in all the exhausting work and learning was always worth it and watching you along the way always inspired me (although it always amazes me how many things you get done!!!) We are North of Atlanta and the rainy winter last year wore us down as well and then Covid and then both of my parents were diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer 😞. We lost my mom on Nov 13th and I had to find homes for many of my animals because I know what's around the corner for my dad and I don't have the support system you have to continue on (which I have learned in an endeavor like this is HUGE). It has been so hard and takes so much personal and financial investment so I understand every emotion and struggle that you are talking about. So thank you for this because KZfaq hobby farm channels are typically all smiles and rainbows and when you struggle you can feel very alone and like a failure. So I appreciate you opening up to let us know we're not alone. You are such a talented and wonderful person and I know you will do amazing at whatever you do!! And the best advice I remembered when going through this was trying and not having it work out was better than living with the regret of never having tried. Hugs to you!!🤗

My beautiful wife Anni, who passed away 2 and a half years ago, had a motto which I have taped to my fridge. "Never give up, go over, under, around or go through but NEVER give up!" I believe you can do this. There is a way! hang in there.

Who could have predicted the effects of a pandemic devastating our world? No one; yet it has affected each one of us in seemingly insurmountable ways. Anne, you are the most positive, uplifting, inspiring person I have ever seen on KZfaq. As each one of us evaluate our own situation in this chaotic time, we also reach out to those we love, to help. You are loved and help is on the way. It may be through the power of prayer, registering for your online courses, becoming a member of support through patreon, giving you a thumbs up on your vlogs, or any number of other ways. Hug Milk Dud, Lucy, and all of the other babies. Take a deep breath, I believe you and Adam are about to see miracle!

Wow! Such a powerful post Anne, your passion and your pain come through so clearly in your voice, expressions and words. Keep on keeping on.

Anne, I dont know if you will even see this, but I have to say, you are a fighter through and through, and like me, even when you are down and beaten and the kicks keep coming with no end in sight.... You have more to give. Your incredible endurance and belief is going to be the thing that finishes this project. I'm going to give a gift of your classes to a friend. Keep. Fighting. I am so proud of you. Everyone else is losing their ass during this crisis. If you can manage to somehow keep yours and come out the other side, you will have built untold strength for the years to come. Cheers from California and NYC.

In march my interior remodeling business shut the doors. I did wood working on the side, and was suddenly living off my side hustle. Today im closing the doors, packing it all into boxes for storage and moving across the country for a 9-5 job.. im crushed but one day ill unpack those boxes and get back to what i love to do... best wishes anne! youre not alone!

I’m rooting for you, Anne, and I believe in you! ☺️

God bless you Anne 🙏 I love your podcasts and your drive to share your knowledge. Please support her financially if you can. Share her podcasts so more people can learn. We need more Anne (and Jacks) of all trades ❤👍 Godspeed 🙏

I feel your pain. We bought an old delinquent dairy farm in 2017 and started our new barn in 2020. All we have is a 130'x65' foundation. We came to a complete halt as well. '21 isn't shaping up well for the consumer of building materials either but we both will prevail. I look forward to watching your channel.

275 000 have died from this virus and tens of millions are out of work and dealing with the ramifications that come with that - for some they have lost homes, marriages, or far worse. You have your health - you have your strength - you have your passion. Not many can say 2020 has been an easy year. But you will get there, and be stronger for it!

"You miss 100% of shots you don't take." -Wayne Gretzky Hang in there Anne, we believe in the dream

Keep your head up Anne. You're clearly a resourceful person, this will eventually pass and you'll be stronger and smarter for it.

As others have said. It’s not done, or a failure until you quit. So. Don’t quit! Keep fighting! Life is a learning experience. You never make mistakes, you present yourself to new knowledge. As we used to say during my time in Afghanistan: we’re learning by fighting. As are you! Keep pushing. Keep fighting. Keep positive, and you’ll be fine

Anne, you do not stand alone. You have built an online family and we are standing with you. Hope is a mighty and powerful word and your heart is full of hope and strength. I am not skilled in any trade, but I can do some menial chores. We’ve got your six...keep it going.

Keep your head up Anne, faith in your higher spirit, and keep moving forward no matter how hard you get hit.

You’re an amazing person, Anne... to have accomplished all that you have, in such a short period of time, is nothing short of phenomenal and, like so many of your viewers, your trials and triumphs have been an inspiration to me. As such, hopefully these words will inspire you and yours, as you wade through these challenges: something that my late grandfather (who, like yours, also lived through The Great Depression) always told us was “Every day that I wake up and have to look DOWN to see the grass is still a good day! All I have to do is figure out why and how.” I have complete faith that you and your husband will find the answers to those questions for each of your and your center’s “days of looking down at the grass”!

Thanks for the heart felt honesty of the trials and tribulations of life. The year 2020 will be a year that teaches us all that grit is one of the most important skills and value we can have. Love your heart and inspiration.

LOVE this video. My business took a huge, huge hit in 2020 as well. Your honesty and vulnerability in this video is beautiful. I am inspired by your raw absorption of the negatives 2020 brought, and your equally as raw climbing back out of the negativity, and finding a way to move forward. Thank you.

This is a really upsetting video I’m very sorry 2020 has delivered such crushing blows and hope that 2021 sees you and the team bounce back stronger than ever You have such wonderful dreams I hope they do still come true you really do deserve it

Protect your faith, protect your marriage, the business will follow. Praying for your success

Anne, I cannot tell you how much you've inspired my personally. I love your spirit and your infectious outlook on life. I'm sorry that you've hit some serious obstacles to making your dreams come true but I truly hope and pray that you and Adam find new and amazing ways to be creative and make it happen. Cheers to you and blessings on the journey. We are behind you!

This is what makes the outcome great, you show me anyone from history that achieved greatness and I will show you this situation. Regardless of the outcome of your current situation in some ways is relevant. After all the goals we set and achieve aren't what makes life so amazing, it's the journey, that is what define us. Continue to power forward, never stop never give up and never blame anyone else but you. It's the road less traveled. Thanks for all your stories they have been inspiring. Matt

It took me 50 years to get where we're at today. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. We are blessed to have what we have. My wife and I have put everything into it . We have had no help it has all been on our own. The ups and the downs.

Hang in there! I’m a retired carpenter and RVer. If you want my help in February, I would work for free. I believe in dreamers.

Your raw honesty in this video is compelling. It has been a tough year for a lot of people but tough times don't last forever. I believe your hard work, creativity and maybe a little help from your friends will get you through this.

Prayers. This has been very hard...especially the uncertainty of it all is hard. As someone who is responsible for a high school, you are right about the challenges of online learning, but it can be done and you can make it happen. Build the supports for your learners...especially until normality comes back around. Be strong.

Ouch, right in the feels ❤️ Why do I suspect that 2020 will eventually regret picking a fight with you Anne? Keep taking that next step, meantime I’ve got a website to go check out....

You are by far the most talented and most driven person I have seen and I KNOW this setback will make opening that school so much sweeter. In our darkest times we must find a light, but you, you are the light. Stay strong and keep doing what you can when you can and things will hopefully turn around very soon.

I am a 34 year old ex army scout. And honestly this video had me in tears. Your story, which I was watching before the virus hit, parallels my story of finally starting my own woodshop. I got the building in January and had plans and a crew to do the work. Then corona virus hit. Ive spent the last 8 months building what ever I could by myself without lifts, or machinery. Although ddidnt move just before hand. I did move my (basement woodshop) into an actual building that I now owe almost a years rent, without selling a single piece.

After watching your video, first thing that came to my mind is Courage and Perseverance. I am 100% sure that good days for your business are ahead. No one could have predicted the occurrence of this dreadful virus. Success is just around corner and never think of giving up. All the best.

Oh, and I'm going to share you classes on FB as suggested gifts! I love gifts like this myself, who needs more stuff!

"This to shall pass sayth the Lord" You got this!

Adapt and overcome is the only option. Borrow some tarp for the roof, get an extra layer of sealant on the pillars, keep pushing and comeback on the other end bigger than ever.

Anne, you are doing great! Keep the positive vibes going :-). I started renovating our farm in France in.... 1992. 28 years have gone by, all our ressources are invested in this project, I cannot begin to tell you how hopeless we have felt numerous times... we are far from something you could consider ‘final’, but it is worth it. As you said: no way back, nonother option than to jeep going. So, keep going. Your capcity to adapt will bring you beautiful experiences that will enrich you beyond imagination!

Prayers for you to not sink into depression. A lot of people are going thru the same thing, i know its no consolation, with the lumber going so high.

Hang in there Anne. I think you are a great teacher and will make it through this year because so many good people are pulling for you. I can see your pain but know you are not alone and no you are not wrong to pursue your dreams. God bless and hang in there.

Anne I would be Incredibly sad to see you lose your dream. Things are tough but we all have to keep pushing and going forward however we can. Don't give up dig deep and find the courage and strength to keep going, and when this all blows over and things get better you can be happy knowing you kept fighting to make your dreams come true.

We love you, sweet woman. This year has been such a challenge. I feel like the only way through all of this is for all of us to pull together and help one another wherever we can. Lumber costs have demolished us as well. *all the hugs* you will find a way to keep going. You’re an amazing woman and you can do this. I believe in you! We all believe in you, girl.

Only thing I can offer is the trade of labor for maybe some woodworking classes down the road.

I completely support what you're working towards. You make me wish I still lived in Nashville or really I lived on the Brentwood/Franklin boarder. I would be at your place every chance I had to help. It's not about money at all. It's about a goal. It's about community. It's about teaching real life skills. It's about creativity and making sure the next generation learns what we know.

We also sold a farm and moved across the country during the pandemic. I have said a prayer for you and Adam and have my fingers crossed for your new roof to become a reality. Your videos and photos remind me of what I left behind and hope to have again some day. Sending love to you and your farmily, from BC, Canada.

Alternative business plan, resell all those sticks of lumber and you'll be a millionaire with current lumber prices. You're welcome ;)

So what week are we going to Amish this school and finish it up.

One day Anne you will look back on this and smile believe me, keep your faith in what you are doing. It's an exceptional year and next year will be tough too, so keep strong and look after each other. Opening up and talking about your problems will help you a lot, keep smiling. Love from Wales

Anne hang in there, you are an inspiration to so many people. I have been woodworking and metal working since high school (nearly 50 years). I still learn new things from young people like yourself. I am open enough to understand that I don't know everything. You will succeed and I would like to offer any support that I can to your vision.

Try crowd funding it, if 184k subscribers all pitched in a $1 it would go a long way. Best of luck to you, you'll get there.

I really like watching this journey of yours especially since I live in the Woodinville area. I’m off to go bump up my patreon level. Good luck and hang in there.

Anne, I have been watching you for a few years. I keep watching because you have shown such character, resolve, willingness, realness, vulnerability, perseverance... I have no physical or financial resources to offer, but perhaps all of the encouragement from your fans can provide impetus on days when it feels insurmountable. ❤

Your intent, passion and courage is timeless! Excited for what’s to come!

Adversity makes you stronger and wiser. Keep up the good fight.

Let’s have an in-person advanced metal roofing class and get a lid on that thing. Lol.

I can totally relate to you and your honest expressions of real life homesteading! This last 3 years has been tough with floods, wildfires, and then covid craziness!

Anne, we all have learned from this year of disaster. Crazy closings, insane increase in everything from lumber to food. Just keep moving forward one day at a time. As for the classes, let them develop on the fly. Yes, they may be a little rough around the edges but as time goes on they will smooth out. I have been watching your videos for a few years now. One thing I know is that you have an incredible drive, attitude, and an amazing talent. I wish I had money to give you to help but all I have are words of encouragement. Be safe and stay focused. Thank you for everything you post. Jim .

I Don't know, but bring in some of those future students now as a paid workshop to get the shop built.

Don't give up God will take care of you. We need you to keep on keeping on.

You will succeed! I can hear it in your voice. My sister was teaching cooking classes in her home and was doing quite well. The virus hit and shut down her business. She now teaches live classes using Zoom and is doing even better. She has taught people all over the world through Airbnb Experiences. Good luck!

Anne, I wanted to comment and hopefully give you some encouragement. What you've described, is basically how my whole life has gone, two steps forward, one step back, and sometimes one step forward and three steps back. The old adage, "whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger", comes to mind. My mother grew up during the depression, she married my father before he shipped out during World War II, my mother shovel lime from lime cars in the steel mill, during WWII and when my father came home they started building a family, but the war had changed my father, he became an atheist, so whatever he wanted to do, was fine. When I was 3 months old he left, when I was three years old, he came back, just long enough to get a divorce. I had four older brothers, the nearest to me was 2 years older, then there was a four year gap, to the next oldest, then a two year gap, between him and the next to my oldest brother and nine months between the two oldest. All of a sudden my mother was a single parent to five boys and no income, she took my father to court for child support and was awarded a whopping five dollars per child per month, that's an astounding $25.00/month, which my father, skipped out on and didn't pay a dime. We went on welfare, to survive and at that time, they gave you a surplus card and $300.00 a month. We went to bed many times hungry and the church gave us gently used clothing, I got my brothers hand-me-downs, I remember having to use cardboard to patch my shoes from the inside. Fast forward at 17, I dropped out of school, took my GED and enlisted in the Marine Corps, bootcamp was the single hardest thing I ever experienced to this point. I saw intermittent combat between Vietnam and Cambodia. After 4 years I got out of the Marine Corps, hoping to get a job in the coal mines, then the big strike happened and after 7 months of trying to wait out the strike, I reenlisted in the Navy, after A-school went to Okinawa Japan was stationed on the largest Airforce base in the far east, Kadena Airforce base spent almost three years there and then got reassigned to the USS Mississippi (CGN-40) out of Norfolk Virginia. While home on leave I was in a car accident and broke my back, Shattered S-1 and S2 and sheared off the left lateral bones at L3 and L4 and ruptured my left eye. After 3 days in the hospital I convinced the doctors to send me home with a back brace and started to rehab myself (had to sign a waver, to not hold the hospital responsible) My new command gave me three months basket leave to rehab, I started by using basic movements that I learned in the Marine Corps, like crawling under barbed wire and so on as a basis for the stretching exercises, I had to go back to the hospital every week for X-rays of my spine and the doctor was astounded to find that not only was S1 and S2 knitting themselves back together, but my body had started to break down the left lateral bones that where sheared off, over the next three months, I regained full motion of my back, no longer needed the brace and the Sheared off bones where fully reabsorbed by my body. Not only did I report for duty and completed that enlistment in the Navy, but did another 4 years in the Navy aboard the USS Carl Vinson. Got out, got a job at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA after 6 years working my way up in IT, due to some work politics I was fired and black balled, took me several years to work through that, sometimes doing odd jobs doing landscaping and oil changing shops, got a sweet gig working as a network engineer for a company called Black Box corporation, then 911 happened the bottom fell out of the IT field and I found myself out of work again. I started feeling the urge to go back into the military, while doing odd jobs and temp jobs, I enlisted in the PA Army National Guard, with the goal of being activated and going over to the middle east, to serve once again, because if there was one thing I had learned was how to survive in a war zone and I felt responsible to teach the younger guys how to do this. During my first few months in the Guard, I found out about the need for corrections officers in the state prison system, so applied and got hired, then I got activated and sent to Mississippi to train, at 50 years old I was one of the oldest in my company and my CO didn't like old people he was 24 and thought he wa Captain America and we older guys were worthless in his eyes, so during training I got smoked during 98 degree temps with near 90 percent humidity for over 2 hours then I went into heat exhaustion, and was taken to the hospital. After that it was open season on us older guys, I was 50 at the time, the average age of the others was around 20. But we endured and during our year in Iraq, us older guys were the ones, who didn't freak when getting fired upon, we did the dirtiest most dangerous jobs and got the most kills. While in Iraq, I got tinnitus in both ears, lost all sense of smell and herniated a disk between L3 and L4 and separated 3 disk in my neck between C3 and C7 and tore both rotator cuffs. When we came home we came back to a hero's welcome, which blew my mind, because coming back from Vietnam, got spit on thrown garbage on me and was called baby killer. But I came back to my job in the PA dept of corrections, married the love of my life, which is someone I knew in high school and got re-aquainted with just before being deployed, we stayed in touch via email and satellite phone and skype while deployed. I am now retired from corrections have my state pension, social security and VA disability and I've taught myself welding and am learning blacksmithing using KZfaq. I'll be building a blacksmith shop in my backyard this summer and I will be checking out your online classes. Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is persevere through the tough times, don't be afraid of leaning on friends, you will have the opportunity to return the favor, live in the moment and don't ever give up! Whatever you do, don't forget to love, it's the most important thing in life.