Hi Gene,
I've been playing 12 string for 40 years or so. I wore my first one out after 25 years of picking and strumming - mainly celtic music some folk and rock. I have three 12's I play regularly and an electric I play occasionally (I plug in my acoustics).
About BIG hands - I think the more you practice the easier it is to maneuver around the fretboard. (I bet you haven't heard that before ;-) ) Years ago I taught myself mandolin and fiddle and thought that the fret spacing was going to be a problem but with time and practice it came together. In the 60's I players a tenor guitar (4 string) that had loads of room for large hands but I don't think that's the issue.
I visit with some friends at an RV park who also are learning guitar and sometimes we forget how slowly the process of learning guitar comes together - the 3 guys all started out the same and now after a year or so the difference in them is amazing - it truly helps to have someone to practice with - dulls the pain of sore fingers;-)
Keep the 12 strings on - you won't regret it.
Pete