I’m not really sure where to start with this. Obviously the beginning would be the logical place, but I’ve come to realize that isn’t the most important part of this story.

Quick recap for those of you who don’t know: On August 14th Tony and I were involved in a bad accident. We escaped without serious injury, but my R32 wasn’t so lucky. The airbags deployed and the front end is completely smashed, rendering it officially totaled.

For days after the accident, I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t believe that one person could make a decision that would take my R away from me, especially when I did absolutely nothing wrong. I called my dad sobbing, trying to explain to him that this car was my ultimate, dream Volkswagen, that it was my whole life, that it defined me. But, being the smart parent he is, he calmly explained to me that even someone as obsessed with Volkswagens as I am isn’t defined by their car. Cars are bought and sold, Instagram names come and go, but Tony and I can never be replaced.

It took me a couple days to really believe that my R32 wasn’t the most defining part of my life, but I think I’ve finally accepted that. While I loved my R32, I certainly love the people in my life more. I don’t think I’ll ever get over this, and I’ll certainly never forget my first R32. But I’ll buy new Volkswagens, come up with a new Instagram name, and write a new Twitter bio. In the meantime, I’ll use and like the things I buy, but love and cherish the people around me, because people are really what matters.

With that said, I have a couple well deserved thank yous:

Thank you to Volkswagen for shoving a big VR6 into a tiny golf, so the engine took the brunt of the hit. I’m really sorry I ruined an R32. I promise to buy more VWs.

Thank you to the wonderful Volkswagen community who supported me and kept reminding me it was far more important that Tony and I were okay, but gave me time to just be really, really sad.

Thank you to whoever designed seatbelts and airbags. I can without a doubt say you saved two lives.

Thank you to Culvers for your delicious custard, and for giving Layne free coupons when she picked up food for us after the accident.

Thank you to Luna, for being your typical sassy self, and keeping me grounded by reminding me your food dish was the most important thing in the world.

But most importantly, thank you to everyone around us. Your calls, messages, and kitty/puppy pictures helped me through a really tough time. I’m so lucky to have so many wonderful people that care that deeply.