Welcome Chris,
A good instructor will make the world of difference. When I was learning the first time round (I was 11 at the time) I knew a guy in the club so I asked him to teach me. Unfortunatly he was not a good pilot. my heart was broke taking my plane home every week to fix something he had broke.
I left the hobby for 10 years and returned 17 years ago. This time I got a couple of good instructors, now good friends. Not once did my plane get damaged. I went solo within a month and have never looked back.
I have now tought many newbies to fly and actually get a buzz from it. There is nothing like seeing your student land on his own for the first time. priceless.
have fun

By the way, this hobby should come with a wealth warning on the packet.