Hi Chelsea,
I haven't written much here, but I am following your thread. I'm sorry for the challenges you're facing, but it sounds like you have a few lifelines out there to help you get past it all, not least being the friends you have here.
My business has taken a hit, too. The manufacturer in Italy I work with has backed way off on selling things in the US due to liability concerns. It's pretty much decimated my business plans. I'm left to falling back on small contract jobs.
I know what you mean about losing stamina and strength. These small jobs mean working out in the hangar instead of in the air conditioned shop. I tried to spend the day out in the 93 degree Florida heat yesterday and after 5 hours I was done for. I also tried to change out the mandrels on my neighbor's tubing bender and realized I'd never be able to lift the big one. I had to give up on it.
But there's not much for it. I'll be back out there again today plugging away at it. It's good to see some progress on the projects, even if it's slow, and there's a paycheck at the end.
Hang in there, Chelsea. We're all on your side.
Stephanie