Sold my Viper...

[cyaford]

I saw my car for the last time yesterday. I have no doubt it's going to a good home in Arkansas. I did warn the new owner that his mechanical skills will improve, and that he will become a frequent visitor to this site.

I did not have to sell, but it will now make things much easier to deal with in the months ahead. My wife went back to school and will not graduate until next Dec. The past 2 years have been rough living on a household income that got cut in half. Unfortunately, the main reason I decided to sell, unknown to many, including the buyer, was to help my sister out financially. She was diagnosed with stage 3 endometrial sarcoma early last year and has had numerous complications from both the cancer and the chemo. She has obviously missed a lot of work, so I do not want her to worry about paying bills. With only me and my mother to provide support to her, it has been rough. While I did enjoy my time with the Viper, especially the other enthusiasts I've met from attending various events, my priorities changed this year, and rightfully so. For those that know me from the AL/TN section, this was the first year I was not able to attend a single event.

I'll still be checking in on this forum from time to time. I'll be glad to pass along my expert knowledge of changing the battery and properly aiming the headlights. I'll also miss driving all the way down to Tony's house to help him do stuff to my car.

On a side note, I recently learned that you could get a 96/97 Viper in immacculate condition for $25-29k. Not wrecked, but in excellent condition with no stories. Wade, the former owner of several Vipers who has also never heard of the VCA or this Forum, told me this 2 weeks ago. In fact, he mentioned 30 for sale right now that he knew of. What's funny is that HE CALLED ME, knowing the price, instead of contacting the sellers of the vehicles he mentioned.

I hope to be back in the game at a later date, although I have no idea what I will be in. Right now, a '10 SRT-10 GTS sounds pretty nice......

 

[cfiiman]

Honestly you did the right thing, family first man, I think that is noble what you did. As much as we love these cars, they are just that, a car, you can't take them with you, all you have is the memories and the relationships, I'll say a prayer for your sister, best of luck to you.

 

[FrgMstr]

Godspeed brother! We will see you again.

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Ditto to the above posts. You absolutely did the right thing and we all wish you and your family well.

And...you already know this, but.....you'll be back....when the time is right.

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[cyaford]

Thanks guys. Another thing I just noticed, is I've only posted 21 times here in 2011.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Ted,
you're a trooper. Take care of the family and if you need anything, call. And know you can still hang out with us AL/TN at anytime during any event.

 

[georgethedog]

Best of luck to you, your sister and you all of your family. Stop in from time to time. You did the right thing--no doubt about it. Prays for your sister.

 

[plumcrazy]

you'll be back. see ya then

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

You did the right thing, Ted. Its just a car. Family>Viper. You can buy another one anytime you're ready. Sorry we couldn't agree on a price on your car.

Signed,
Wade

 

[2006red/whitecoupe]

A CAR is nothing but a pile of parts, good luck to you.

 

[mattdillon]

Cyaford, we'll definitely keep you in our prayers & I hope everything works out for your sister. Also, stay in touch with the Viper community & keep us informed.

 

[Fatboy 18]

Sorry that you had to sell the car, but you got your priorities in the right order
Best wishes for the future with all your Family
Mark

 

[SFTREKKR]

Cyaford, I am sorry to hear about your sister's health. My 70-year-old mom developed stomach cancer earlier this year, the same time I started speaking to her about my coping with my recent divorce. She went through chemo and radiation, and 2/3 of her stomach was removed to eradicate the cancer cells. She is about to begin her second chemo treatment, and she recovering slowly.

The following is what we've done to help her cope with the cancer and fight it. The foremost priority is to help strengthen her immune system. No more dreadful updates from me on dealing with divorce. In fact, we kept anything that carries negative aspect from her. Reduce her mental stress level. We took her out on short drives to cheer her up. Kept kids away from her because of her weakened immune system. Help her maintain a routine sleep regime, in which she would sleep no later than 10pm. Increased vegetable and fruit intake, less meat and egg yolk. My mom also kept up her daily walks.

I know every cancer case is different, and our methods may not help your sister. But family support is what every cancer patient needs.

God bless your sister and your family, may she gain strength and health through your love and support.

 

[SFTREKKR]

Clarify: go to bed no later than 10pm.

 

[GTS Warp]

You did the right thing. My sister and ex-wife both have ****** cancer and are continually battling it. Stay strong, keep the faith, and look for your next Viper when the time is right!

 

[cyaford]

Thanks again for all of the well wishes. My sister just turned 31, so I'm hoping her youth can give her a little boost in this battle. She had a hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and 1 round of chemo. The issues she is experiencing now are from the radiation and chemo. The radiation has caused inflammation of the intestines. The chemo has caused mild heart damage. I've always heard that chemo poses its own set of risks, but I think the risks outweigh the probability of the tumors spreading throughout the body.We plan on taking her to Orlando in about 2 weeks. I told her a month ago we would take her to wherever she wanted to go, and she chose Orlando. She's like me, a big kid who enjoys amusement parks. She will be passing up the extreme stuff, but there's more than enough other attractions to keep her busy. I hated to even being this up into a car forum discussion area, but I did want those that I haven't seen in over a year to know I haven't been purposely avoiding meets and other events. Except for Chad. I do try to avoid him whenever possible. As I said earlier, I do plan to be back in the scene sometime in '13. A mildly boosted Gen 2 would be nice, although I still like the Gen 4 coupes more and more every time I see them.

 

[Vipuronr]

Always family first, admirable thing you are doing! I ha cancer a few years back, strikes without warning. Your sister is very lucky to have a brother as devoted as you are.

Best of luck!

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Except for Chad. I do try to avoid him whenever possible.

I see you're still mad about the time I turned you into the cops about the illegal race gas

Signed,

Wade, the Law Abiding Citizen

p.s.--if ya'll are driving to Orlando, shoot me a PM. We'll do dinner/lunch if ya'll wanna stop in Macon

 

[Austin]

First of all, I what you're doing to help your sister is very kind and I'm sure she appreciates it beyond what you could imagine. Hope you stick around and are back in one soon. I will keep your sister and your family in my prayers. Same goes for anyone else that mentioned a sickness in someone they know.

 

[Jeebs]

Thats a great thing your doing for your family. You can always buy another car, but you can NEVER buy another family. You seem to be a good man, and good things will happen for you and i hope everything works out for our family.
Thoughts and prayers.

 

[7TH_SIGN]

Right thing done. Family comes first always. I've had to sell my cars in the past as well. All the best to you and yours.