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robspeed

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    Let's be there for Robspeed :)

    in BMW 2002 and other '02

    Posted · Edited by robspeed

    As a thank you to the donors and well-wishers, I am going to be doing FREE photo retouching, so that I can build a portfolio and eventually sell my services.  If you've donated any amount please email the image you want re-touched to jennaishealed@gmail.com.  If you've NOT donated, use the same email. ;)

    Here is an example.  Believe it or not, this is Cooper (before and after retouching).  He was only 13 months when Jenna had her accident and here he is a senior in high school and looking forward to joining the Air Force after graduating. Please note that this is a zoom to show the facial detail.  The final portrait is the second (third?) pic and was printed at 16x20" for my parents.

    before and after.jpg

     

    • Like 3

    Let's be there for Robspeed :)

    in BMW 2002 and other '02

    Posted · Edited by robspeed
    typos


    I frickin love you guys.   ❤️

    I'm copying and pasting what I wrote under Paul's post on FB:

     

    Thank you everyone, Paul and Harry (and Ray) specifically, as well as everyone (else) who contributed and/or shared, or just wished us well. I love these cars with all my heart and soul, and I love this community more. But more than anything I love my wife Jenna and the little poop she made named Cooper (now age 17 and about to join the Air Force next year). Her accident in 2004 was life-changing in a lot of different ways.

    With the nearly-fatal brain injury, combined with her pre-existing bipolar disorder, her life for the first three years after the accident was a living hell, for her mostly but for me by extension. Fortunately we eventually found a doctor (after seeing dozens all over the country) who got her on medications that help her stay calm, for the most part. She still suffers on a daily basis and it is my full-time, unpaid job to keep her spirits up and keep her safe. It is the hardest job I've ever had (and I used to work on Mercedeses ;-p), but also the most rewarding thing I can imagine doing.

    Because I can't work outside the home under the circumstances, that is why we live hand-to-mouth. I know we aren't alone in that, sadly, especially now with the virus and record unemployment. And I am deeply humbled and grateful for the support and brotherhood I have found in this community of fellow 02 lovers. I remember the night I started my 02 after taking it 100% apart and putting it back together again, and crying like a kid I was so happy. It's so stupid but hearing it spark to life after taking it apart piece by piece, front-to-back, and then reversal-ing that whole process over I don't even remember how many months. I also vividly remember the moment I thought of the idea for the 02 FAQ after seeing the same questions over and over on the old Roadfly board, and the same "use the search" answers. From that idea and a lot of work by me and Steve and the other initial contributors (and countless more Steve) since, nobody needs to say "use the search". They just say "check the FAQ", instead. ;)    

    You guys are the best, and remember we're only caretakers. The reason why I don't own an 02 right now is I saw what was happening to mine, knew I didn't have the means or place to keep it safe (from rust) and decided it needed a better caretaker. It was one of the hardest things I had to do but I know I did the right thing despite taking an absolute bath in the process. She is now dry, completely rust free, and someone else's (waves to Reggie) long-term project destined to sport an S14 someday. And maybe someday I'll buy her back... :)❤️

    I will also say that my landlord has been pretty awesome. He mostly leaves us alone and I take care of all the little BS that comes up in a normal rental. When something breaks, I take care of it and charge him for the parts. In exchange for that he has kept our rent under-market for all this time. But now that he has decided to sell, that will come to an end and we are looking at at least a $200+/month rent increase on top of having to move out of the place we've been in for nine years. But we'll figure something out.


    Thank you again VERY much.
    -Rob and Family
     

     
    • Like 5
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