Very inspirational story. It's amazing the back story on so many people's lives that most are unaware of. I'm glad you shared it. I see you in an even more positive light now. Keep plugging away. There's really nothing else one can do. As Ronnie use to say, "Nothing left to do but to do it."
Amen. It takes yarbules to share such a struggie-wuzzle, my droogies.
But to be perfectly serious for a moment, Methyl, you probably underestimate yourself. You say you reckon you're one of the weakest bodybuilders here. Why? Because of your humble beginnings?
I followed a dude on YouTube for awhile. I think his name was George Freeman? Talk about a guy who took misfortune and turned it around! Even as a much heavier guy, he couldn't bench 315 in high school. But he persisted, and he got to the point he outlifted Coleman on pulls and benched 350-365 for 20 reps.
Once you're back at it in a proper gym, you will surprise yourself!