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Yesterday afternoon, my wife and I had a serious car accident while driving one of the beautiful winding roads in our area. I walked away with only minor scrapes and bruises, but my beautiful wife suffered a broken back.

She'll be flat on her back with her spine immobilized for the next 6 to 8 weeks and I'll be forced to take as much time away from the shop as necessary to care for her.

These kind of setbacks are exceptionally tough on a small shop with a single luthier working in it. The income stops anytime the work can't be done. I know that many people think the small shop guys are making a financial killing in this business, but that's not the case with most.....only a very few.

I'd be interested in knowing how other solo builders have handled such setbacks and the recovery from them.


Regards,
Kevin Gallagher

Kevin,

You will not know how things are going to be, simply take it day by day and by all means this is time to rely on friends and forum members.

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Ken

I tore cartilage in my knee a few months back . I couldn't walk for long for a few weeks and lost 2 weeks out of the shop. Once I did get back in , it was work an hour ice for 2 . I get surgery in 2 weeks and hope to be back full power in about 4-8 weeks . I do what I can when I can and muddle through. It isn't easy . Lets face it , there isn't any sick days when you are the boss . Good luck Kevin , I am sure you will make it .
The first few days are the hardest . Your wife will have a hard road to hoe . My prayers are with you guys
john

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Best wishes to your wife and a speedy recovery. I hope you find a solution - If your shop is nearby maybe you can take care of her and work while she sleeps or relaxes during the day, or start working later at night.

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It's this new idea from recent decades that everyone gets a participation award. - MUX

I hope everything works out well for you and your wife Kevin. My only advice is to just to to manage your time the best you can for now til she gets back on her feet. Hopefully you'll be back in the shop soon.

Best wishes to you, Kevin. Our thoughts and prayers are for your wife's speedy recovery.

That's terrible Kevin my friend - here is wishing your wife a speedy and full recovery.

Wow, I'm sorry to hear this Kevin. Speedy recovery to your wife.

Don't know if there is much you can do other than schedule your time really well between looking after the kids, your wife then the shop. I know you do 99.9% of your builds but maybe you can farm some of the work out in the interim (inlay, finishing) to help you progress.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

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"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Very sorry to hear about your accident and your wife. I hope the best for her. We've had a bad year last with several things going wrong, or the wife in the hospital with back problems, and I can say that it's a difficult experience. Be prepared for lots of time at home after the stay at the hospital. Be extra thoughtful as she will probably be under the heavy influence of drugs. My wife's reasoning was not right for a while.
I had to stay out of the shop for a time because I could not concentrate on the work, and large blocks of time were not possible. Basically, I could not get my ducks in a row. Be prepared for a long recovery at getting back to full time work.
Good luck to you and your wife and may she have a full recovery.

Wow Kevin. I am so sorry to hear this. Give your wife my best and let her know she is in our prayers as are you.

In regards to the shop work: if there is anything I can do for you to help out let me know. I can tell you this; you have made your way with quite a reputation of excellence. Anyone that you are doing commission work for will understand a 6 to 10 week delay. Owning a Gallagher is to own a special instrument and your clientele know that. On the lack of income issue: I know it is hard at times like this but you will get through it. So don’t let the strain get to you. This too will pass. Take care of the wife. She is number one.

Our hearts and prayers are with you my friend.

Kevin, I'm sure we all feel heartfelt grief over your misfortune.
This health-related shop interference is certainly no stranger to you! You are one of the experts at this type of difficulty. And the way you were sustained, and the courage you showed were inspirations to us all.
Our prayers are with you,

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Sorry to hear your frightening news, Kevin. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and smooth transition back.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Kevin,
Wow, that is horrible news! If I was closer, I'd be happy to help in any way. But since I'm so far away, I could offer you any of my jigs for free if they will help you speed through your work quicker. Just let me know and I'll be happy to send you whatever you need. Hope your wife recovers fully in the quickest possible time. Prayers to you and family!

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

Thats terrible news, I hope your wife has a speedy recovery. As for the shop what about taking on an apprentice? There could be a young guy close to you with enough experience to do all the basic jobs.

So sorry to hear about this kind of thing. It does throw life into another world.
My wife was run over by a vehicle a few years ago and wears a lot of Titanium now...and after 2 years of rehab...gets around just fine. It made me stronger watching her come through her injuries. I quit griping about my aches and pains of normal aging.
Hang in there and keep a positive outlook. We'll be praying for both of you and a speedy recovery.
Kent

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Wood Creations by Kent A. Bailey
EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE, CARVING, LUTHIER, ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK AND DESIGN

http://www.kabart.com

WOW sorry to hear that Kevin.
We'll keep you in our prayers

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

E-mail and prayers sent Kevin.

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jw ( o)===:::

So sorry to hear of the accident, and the resulting injury to your wife. You have my prayers too. Hoping for a full and quick recovery for your wife.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Kevin,
I was so sorry learn of the accident and your wife's resulting injuries. As I wrote in my email earlier, if there is anything we can do about my order that would help relieve your stress, I'd be glad to help.
Best wishes,
George

Like others said, very sorry about what's happening to you and (mostly) you're wife.

Regarding income issues, if you are low on cash but you have good credit history and a bunch of guitar orders in front of you (for wich you can prove of - i.e.: signed Purchase of orders), you shouldn't have problems with your bank granting you the credit you need to have some breathing space.

Hope this helps!

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

So sorry to hear this.Hope all goes well.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

Kevin,

This is awful news!

However... I'm very happy to NOT hear that there are spinal injuries resulting in paralysis. Here's hoping for a 100% full recovery!

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

Kevin,
Fervent prayers will be lifted up on your family's behalf.

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Sure sorry to hear about your bad news Kevin. As you can see, you've got a great community behind you, that will help! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife!

Joe