Author Topic: My many apologies to all my friends! Plus some bad news! (Read 14820 times)

Dusthawk · « **on:** January 04, 2007, 07:35:38 PM »

Many many months ago, I kept all of you up to date on the trials and tribulations of my life. Well, Here it is, the new year and not much has changed here. I am still convalescing from the surgery I had in September, my near death experience a week later when I developed a travelling blood clot that got caught behind my knee, I finally got out of the wheelchair after two months only to get put back in December 12th for another 10 days after they removed the Titanium Bolts from my ankle. I walk with a cane now, and I am hoping it isn't permanent. It has been almost 6 and a half months since the injury and no date has yet been set for a return to work, or even that I'll even be able to resume my former job at all. Other than Physically, I am living in a homeless shelter, trying to find enough community service hours to get my license back, and trying to get my financial situation back under control.

Which, brings me to the bad news, well bad for me, maybe good for one of you. Rita is for sale. Yes, I know I said we would never part but I have too many bills and Workmans comp doesn't even begin to cover it all. Buses and cabs three and four times a week to doctor visits and physical therapy have wreaked havoc upon me moneywise and I have nothing else to bargain with. I put my heart and soul into her but I just can't stand to see her sit there wasting away. She needs some TLC but she can be a runner for sure, rings and a head gasket, new ignition and battery, she'll jump to life and take you on a ride you'll never forget. I'll miss her terribly but what choice do I have? I can just make sure she goes to someone who'll love her almost as much as I do.

If you or anyone you know is interested in saving Rita, leave me a personal message, it'll forward to me and I'll get it.

I'll leave for now, I am getting pretty tired thanks to the meds I'm on. I hope to hear from someone soon, and if not, it wasn't meant to be.

Peace and Long Rides my Friends,

Jeff the Gimp

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2007, 08:29:20 PM »

I know where he's coming from- I've only worked about 2 years out of the last 5 myself. I'm about broke, too, but I'd throw something in if there was a way to take a collection. Anybody have an idea how to do that?

bill440cars · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2007, 08:36:20 PM »

Hey Jeff,

Man, the last time we talked, you were in a bad way but it seemed like you were slowly on the mend. I wish there was some way that I could help but, there's no way. Hate to hear that you're gonna have to sell Rita, I know she means a lot to you. You take care and you'll be in my prayers guy. Since you need to sell Rita, Hope she goes to a good home and can get things turned around there. Whenever possible, keep in touch. I tried to locate you by email last month to see how you were doing and I guess you didn't get my message or just could respond at that time. Jeff, may God be with you man.
Later on (soon I hope), Bill

Uncle, let me know if you find out something. Bill

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2007, 11:32:13 PM »

How much is Rita Worth?

Why don't we buy it as a get well present for Jeff.

Rsnip988 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2007, 01:38:36 AM »

Sorry to hear about you injury and situation, I'll say a prayer or 2 for you ,

The word "Gimp" is a derrogatory term to use for yourself, I shattered my ankle 8 years ago and was told @ age 16 i would "most likely" limp for the rest of my life but when i hear the word gimp I am offended, i dont know why but it doesnt sound good to me
most days i dont limp only on cold drippy days, the screws were a pain and a half to be sure

keep your head up

mcpuffett · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:01:01 AM »

hi jeff, sorry to hear about your troubles hope you don't have to sell "Rita", i'm with steve why don't we buy "Rita" as a get well present ?, mick.

Glenn Stauffer · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:39:59 AM »

Jeff,

Hang in there and you'll get past this. How much are you looking to get for your bike? Is there anyone out in Jeff's part of the world (Northern California, still?) able to keep it in storage for him if the club 'buys' it?

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff last spring when he put together the Northern California meet during my visit. It was a great time meeting a great bunch of guys and Jeff made it possible. I also had the opportunity to meet Rita in person and took the photo of Jeff and Rita in front of Phil's Cafe.

I haven't cleared this with Jeff, so I hope he won't object, but I have put up a donation page on the SOHC/4 site where anyone interested in helping out can make a donation to the 'Help Save Rita Fund'. I'll cover all paypal fees and get the money to Jeff. I'll also post a running tally online so we all know where we're at with this. Donate if you can; any amount helps. Hopefully we can help Jeff keep his bike.

BobbyR · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:07:30 AM »

Glenn, where is the donations section. I looked on the main page but my aged eyes may have missed it.

tsflstb · « **Reply #8 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:28:48 AM »

Click on the text "donation page" in his post -- it's a link.

burmashave · « **Reply #9 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:31:58 AM »

Dusthawk, my tears and prayers are upon you. Always. I feel at a loss to say anything useful except to say that I was in a horrible place (not like what you're enduring) a few years back and am now close to being back to OK now. I've known guys who hit the bottom and slugged their way back up. You're a fighter, and that's what you need most. We'll save Rita for you, and she'll be ready for you when you're ready. After all, a bike named Rita must be saved.

burmashave · « **Reply #10 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:33:46 AM »

Do we have anyone -- in Dusthawk's neck of the woods -- who might like to hang with him once in a while? It's tough to go it alone.

DME · « **Reply #11 on:** January 05, 2007, 10:51:07 AM »

Dusthawk,
I don´t know you, have never met you and I probably never will.
Your story really got to me though, and it goes to show how fragile life can be.
The "Saving Rita"-fundraiser is great idea, and I hope we can raise enough for you to keep the bike

Cheers and best wishes
Daniel

dusterdude · « **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2007, 12:18:56 PM »

durn tootin

750goes · « **Reply #13 on:** January 05, 2007, 12:53:05 PM »

Dusthawk,

keep the chin up and eyes forward......

Rushoid · « **Reply #14 on:** January 05, 2007, 01:39:52 PM »

We're all pulling for you Jeff.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #15 on:** January 05, 2007, 01:40:46 PM »

Get Well soon Dusty, when I come over later this year, I bags a ride on Rita! Cheers, Terry.

scondon · « **Reply #16 on:** January 05, 2007, 01:47:47 PM »

I'm about 20 miles from Jeff and can offer a outdoor spot for his bike(offstreet), garage is full but there's room if it rains. All the necessary tools for engine rebuild as well. Sounds like he could use cash more than storage, but I'll PM him and let him know it's available. We'll see how this unfolds but maybe, with some donations, he can have his bike in a safe spot until he's up and able again.

BobbyR · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2007, 01:58:10 PM »

Quote from: scondon on January 05, 2007, 01:47:47 PM

I'm about 20 miles from Jeff and can offer a outdoor spot for his bike(offstreet), garage is full but there's room if it rains. All the necessary tools for engine rebuild as well. Sounds like he could use cash more than storage, but I'll PM him and let him know it's available. We'll see how this unfolds but maybe, with some donations, he can have his bike in a safe spot until he's up and able again.

You are a good Dude for the offer. Now if a few more of us throw a few bucks into that paypal site, we can help this brother start getting on his feet.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:07:58 PM »

I'm up for it Bobby, I just made a small donation, but if people are interested in donating to this excellent cause, I'll make this offer: If anyone buys one of my oil cooler adapters over the next month, I will donate $50.00 of the $75.00 purchase price to the "Save Rita" fund. Cheers, Terry.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:09:40 PM »

Nice gesture, Terry.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:19:03 PM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on January 05, 2007, 02:09:40 PM

Nice gesture, Terry.

Well I wish I could do more Bob, but after Christmas money is pretty tight, and I'm trying to finally get my own bike on the road, so it's about the best I can do. cheers, Terry.

seaweb11 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:20:05 PM »

Never met ya, don't know ya.....but sent some $$
Come on boys, there's alot of guys here, can't imagine anyone not being ablle to send anything

There but for the grace of God go I

BobbyR · « **Reply #22 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:09:04 PM »

I threw what I have left in PayPal in. I will be selling some non Motorcycle stuff on ebay, when I get paid for that I will throw it into the hat. In the mean time, while it may break protocol perhaps Glenn or whomever can post this appeal into some of the other posts so that more of the 2774 members can read it and perhaps perform a random act of kindness.

8 Track · « **Reply #23 on:** January 05, 2007, 08:17:01 PM »

Quote from: BobbyR on January 05, 2007, 07:09:04 PM

I threw what I have left in PayPal in.

Ditto.

Jeff, you're in my prayers.

jtb · « **Reply #24 on:** January 05, 2007, 08:29:04 PM »

Dusty, We're waiting to hear you and Rita are on the road again. Keep fighting, man.
John

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Author Topic: My many apologies to all my friends! Plus some bad news! (Read 14820 times)