Yes you've been dealt a bad hand. I can't imagine the pain and confusion you've experienced, but you've made it this far. And you're employed. As LAriverRat said, the past is over and now you're dealing with the present.

Testing the waters as an Admiral or a sailor? Are you wondering about rejoining the bike servicing industry or resuming your riding? Maybe a little of both?

TSL lists some nice options. I can vouch for the Hellbent for breakfast bunch (recumbents greatly enjoyed though not required). It's a great way to start a Sunday and be home before 10:00a.m.

Working with/for your nephew could be exhilerating. Working out of your garage could be relaxing. Do you have the time for either option? That would be nice.

In my opinion for whatever it is worth.....bikes routinely come and go (as does ones desire to ride), but the love and awe of the machines stays buried deep inside one forever. One's wrenching skills are an integeral part of who one is regardles of whether it's a large part or a small part. I think you should keep your tools. I suspect they will become an important part of your life again someday. Maybe you'll find wrenching relaxing, maybe you'll wrench as a neccesity, or maybe you'll just service your own bike....but I think you should hold onto the tools.

I hope you keep in touch with the Forum and keep us aprised of how both you and your nephew make out.