JW,
These are all wise words, especially those of potato head.
If you decide to 'jump in' then do make sure you know how deep the water is.
I started late at 40 and now three years later I am still instructing and looking forward to my first airline job.........would I change anything?.........well yes actually, but now I am in this deep I might as well keep swimming!
It is very easy to become bitter and twisted and you will read many such accounts.
Open your eyes, take a long hard look at your self, and if you really do want to fly then have a bash!
I regret not doing it 20 years ago, but at least I have another 20 years left!
Make a decision and act upon it.
Good luck
JWF