Re: Had to share
She is indeed a remarkable woman and is one reason why I love my job! She hired me to restore her mom's original owner 63 Chevy II 4 door 6 cyl car as it had been in the family all it's life. I tried to delicately explain to her that even a driver quality restoration would cost her about $50k to restore on a car that was only going to be worth about $8k when done to which she replied, "are you assuming I cannot afford it?" to which I replied, "no but you did not get where you are today by being foolish". Likely a dumb thing to say in retrospect especially where sentiments are involved. As she walked out the door (at age 87) she turned around and said it was one of the last things on her bucket list and shut the door behind us. Ann and I got on the phone and called all our existing customers and asked if they would mind us not working on their cars for a short time. We worked three solid months, 14 hour days with only 2 days off and finished the car (sans a couple of bolt on items) in time for our open house to surprise her. We unveiled her car at the open house and let her start the car for the first time (prior to the open house). When I turned around to talk to her after she started it she was crying, smiling but at the same time crying. It was all over then and every ounce of effort had paid off. Today there is very little we wouldn't do for this woman and she has been one of the kindest people we have ever met. She has opened a lot of doors for us as well. This city (Springfield) and certainly this town will lose a lot when we lose her. Thanks for letting me share. We have been truly blessed with some great customers and friends in this hobby and business.
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