Hi Hokie,
I think you handled your challanges very well! You made the right decisions and it sounds like you are having fun!
I also use my drumming for therapy, it keeps me sane, I do not (have to) rely on the money made from the drumming, it is just nice to pay for some gear.
It seems to me that by "letting go" of one thing it brings 2 other opportunities back.
Cheers and Happy Drumming,
Harry