The Gegenator and milehighhyundai are celebrating big days today!

Although they're not very active anymore, they've been important members of this community.

This has been the worst year of my life as most of you know. My world changed forever when my beautiful (inside and out), wonderful wife Tammy passed away unexpectedly on March the 6th. Honestly, there were moments when I didn't know if I could go on with my life.

But here I am, typing this message and ElantraClub is still here.

A number of members of this community helped me and gave me a feeling that maybe life was still worthwhile. Some of the folks who stand out are Babyhyundai05, Blupupher, slowgls, Vinnie, popeye, and VIG (if I missed anyone, forgive me). Talking on the phone about Tammy and having a friend that cares on the other end meant the world to me.

In addition, there are two members who supported me and this community in a way that saved the club and helped me immensely in the "real world". Without these two, I'm not sure EC would still be here.

ElantraClub's Members of the Year

a_v

Branton, has been, without question, the true unsung hero when it comes to club donations. Member donations are what keeps this community online and Branton gives and gives and gives. I am both grateful and amazed that this young man from down under thinks so highly of what we have here that he singlehandly has saved this club a number of times. In this year of sadness for me, he was a ray of hope that there are members that care about EC.

Thank you Branton for all you've done for us.


xdforme22

All I can say is I am overwhelmed by what xdforme22 did. When he found out Tammy had died he made an offer that was so generous, well, it's something I will never forget. There was a memorial fund in Tammy's name setup to help me with expenses and he came througn in an amazing way. I mean, he isn't a close personal friend, just someone who knows me from this place. Heck, he doesn't even drive an Elantra anymore.

He is a very special person.
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Thank you to all the members who help make EC what it is. Donations are one way to contribute. Making posts and being active is another important way.

Let's work together to have a better 2016.

- Mitch

I got one of those routine reminders today that I haven't visited the forum in a while, and while I know this is a system-generated e-mail, and most of you guys either don't remember or know me, I still felt compelled to drop by and say: "keep rocking those Elantras". I had gone from a Miata to an Elantra just for practicality (4 door, seating for 4), but for the 2 years I owned my Elantra, I loved it, and I still enjoy seeing them on the road every day. They are all over the place, and I still think Hyundai really got the "compact" nearly perfect with this model (I used quotes since the interior room could technically get this car into the mid-sized category). In the end, once I upgraded my ride comfort from a roadster to the Elantra, I realized I wanted more, and I've since gone from my Elantra to an Azera, and now the 2015 Genesis. Notice that I stayed loyal to Hyundai brand. That is thanks to the Elantra, and I never miss the opportunity to recommend it to my friends and co-workers. I miss the banter and discussion of the Elantra forum which I always found entertaining, informative, helpful, and often: insightful. So, this post adds really nothing to the forum other than my warm wishes to my ex-fellow Elantra owners, as well as Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas to all.

Sorry about the site shutdown last night.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to pay some club bills that were due last week. My hosting company was nice enough to keep the site up for the past week, but had no choice but to shut us down overnight due to non-payment. Luckily, I received a small Christmas gift last night and was able to pay this months bills and the hosting company "turned the switch back on".

Here's the thing. We have a worthwhile resource here. I realize forums are not what they once were, but this is still one of the best Elantra sites, chock full of information, online. The Elantra is one of the best selling cars in the world. We should have a member base big enough that we shouldn't have the kind of trouble we do meeting our operating budget. Our donation drive is only at 30% after 3 months and only six members have donated.

I want this site and community to continue. I've worked too hard and it's too important to me to let it just die. I've lost my loving wife Tammy this year and my life is shattered. Can you at least consider a small donation to keep us going and help me out? Look, I'm sorry EC isn't run by a big corporation where you guys and gals didn't have to worry about stuff like this. But I'm just some pauper with a difficult life trying to keep something special going.

We must have 50 members that are somewhat active. If those member each donated around twelve dollars we'd meet our goal and we'd have no worries about this site for a full year. Maybe a few here will have the true spirit of Christmas and "help a brother out". I need a Christmas miracle about now.

Think about it, ok?

Thank you and again I'm sorry to have to ask for help.

Mitch

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you are having a good day. Kendra and I went to my familys house for turkey and all the fixins. Eat to much and watched football. Now waiting for the Packers to play the Bears. Will be a good game. So what is everyone doing today?

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy birthday to the hottest EClub member I know. I might be a bit partial...

Happy birthday, Amanda!

A happy Fathers' Day to all my fellow dads out there! And a special tip of the cap to all the dads that have moved on to a different part of the Universe (like mine).

There will definitely be scotch for me later this evening.

Happy birthday!!!!

My beloved wife Tammy was born 46 years ago today in Urbana, Illinois. Tammy was not just my wife and soulmate, she was my whole world. I miss her so much it hurts. The pain of Tammy not being here brings me to my knees. No words could ever describe how much love I feel for Tammy. She is forever and always my special girl. - Mitch

Went and took a photo I liked tonight. The first 4 photos are old-ish ones though. So here's...

a_v's 2002 Elantra GLS Sedan

Driven to secondary school in it every day for 5 years. Learned to drive in it. Took me to university every day for 3 years. Takes me to work every day going on 5 years. All my mechanical knowledge was honed on this car.
After modding it all the way to potato, I have a metal personification of myself. Seeing, hearing, feeling every mod and repair you've done on your car is a nice feeling indeed.

==Mod List==

Exterior:
-G.MAX Monza 17" Wheels
-Clear OEM Side Markers
-OEM Headlight and Bonnet Protector
-ElantraClub Etched-Glass Stickers
-Pedders Suspension Sticker
-MightyCarMods.com Sticker
-Rear Badge filled in black with Plasti-Dip
-Diode Dynamics "Stage 2" LED Reverse Lights
-Philips XtremeVision Headlight Bulbs
-White LED Parking Lights
-Black Number Plate Frames

Interior:
-LED map lights, dome light, gauges, glove box, cigarette lighter ring
-LED HVAC conversion
-Blue LED window switch conversion
-Front footwell LED lighting
-Map lights on with dome light mod
-TwistedShifterz Marble Gear Knob
-Chrome gauge rings
-Chrome tweeter rings
-Chrome Door Handle Surrounds
-Chrome/Faux Leather Handbrake Cover and Boot
-Faux Leather Gearstick Boot
-Lambswool Seat Covers
-OEM Tiburon Aluminium Pedals
-White Clock

Audio:
-JVC KD-R90BT Head Unit
-Memphis Power Reference Component Front, 6x9 Coaxial Back
-Philips PSQ251 10" Subwoofer
-Fusion CA DA41400 4-Channel Amp
-Orion Cobalt CO3002 2-Channel Amp
-Dynamat in Front Doors and Boot Lid

Suspension:
-Pedders SportRyder Lowering Springs
-18" OEM Rear Sway Bar
-UltraRacing Front Strut Bar

Other:
-Intake Resonator Bypass
-OEM Genesis Dual Horns
-Solid Shifter Linkage Bushings
-VicoVation WF1 DashCam

Here's a GoFundMe link to help Mitch with expenses after the loss of his beloved wife Tammy. He is all alone and has little to no income and is in deep grief.

Please, take the time to read and please donate as much as you can to help.

Also, share the GoFundMe link on your own Facebook and Twitter pages or any other social site you can. Every amount is appreciated!!

Memorial Fund for Tammy


Thank you!

This will be replacing our Car of the Month contests. With only six contests per year we might just get more entrants... hopefully!

The winner will be featured on a permanent special page and have a pic of their car posted on our portal page for two months. The winning car's owner will receive a VIP club membership. Of course, current VIP's should enter as well, for the glory/pride. And.. the winner will be entered into the Car of the Year vote. Your car can be stock as well as modified. Last day to enter is May 25th, 2015.

Sweet Birthday Wishes for Mitch today.

Happy Birthday, Kendra!!!

As you guys know I'm going through the most difficult time in my life. My life without Tammy is pretty much unbearable... the pain and sadness overwhelming. As far as the future? I'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other and taking one moment at a time.

In early April, a member here PM'ed Leslie (Babyhyundai05), and told her they would match donations made for a limited time. Their idea was to help me in this difficult time by matching donations up to $500 total. I am very grateful that a number of members here responded by the April 25th end date. We received a total of $545. $225 from our donation system, $220 on Tammy's GoFundMe memorial page and a $100 donation made to my private Papal account by a member here. I'm overwhelmed by this type of generosity and caring.

Hopefully, the anonymous member who made the offer will come through. If so (and I'm confident they will), I may have enough funds to at least get the work started on repairing my house. It couldn't come a moment sooner. It seems that birds and/or animals have been taking over my attic.

Mitch

Hello Fellow EC Members!



I received a PM from an EC member who would like to remain anonymous. He's willing to match any donations made to the Tammy memorial GofundMe page or donations made to through the club's Paypal donation system or simply Paypal a donation to elantragt_02@yahoo.com directly. Meaning, if you donate say $50, to help Mitch, this generous member will match it, all the way up to total donations of $500. This amazing match offer begins today and ends April 25th.

Let's make this happen and help Mitch in a way that will make him feel like people do care.

He is really suffering emotionally these days.

Thanks.

Leslie

I've gone ahead and lowered the costs of being a full ElantraClub member. The VIP memberships give you access to the game arcade and many additional perks like photo uploads in the Garages and additional photo upload space in the Gallery and posts.

Full information is here.

One Year VIP - $10.99
Two Year VIP - $17.99
Lifetime VIP - $24.99

It will be four weeks tomorrow that Tammy has been gone. I still can't believe I'm writing a post about Tammy as her widower. It still hasn't fully sunk in. I will admit that in the past couple days my grief had taken me to a very deeply sad and dark place full of hopelessness. A place where I honestly didn't know if I could go on without her. After all Tammy was my life. My reason for loving life. And for a few days of deep despair I didn't see any reason to live a life without my Tammy. I mean, honestly... what do I have? My soulmate, the woman I adore, my happiness... is gone. I don't have any real in person close friends. For those that don't know, our daughter Katie left home after graduating last June. My family (who haven't lost a spouse thankfully) don't understand what I'm going through. And I still am shocked that people can read that GoFundMe page and not be touched and want to help. Of course, I shouldn't take that personally as most just don't realize what it's like to lose a beloved spouse.

Tammy's passing was traumatic and unexpected and I'm suffering from a sort of post traumatic stress. Since I was also her caregiver for years, I am now lost and confused. And alone. Combine that with little to no emotional support and you can only imagine the turmoil in my mind and in my life.. And yes, I have given a passing thought or two or three to the prospect of joining Tammy in heaven. But... that's not who I am. I'm not suicidal although I can see where it's a temptation for some. As hard as this grief journey is, I'm taking it and letting my feelings and my tears out. The house needing repair, the bills needing paying, well, for now it's not getting done. It is what it is.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I started seeing a grief counselor today. I think she might be able to help. At least I know I need help.

Tammy was the perfect wife for me. Sure those medical ordeals we went through together were terribly scary and stressful. But we were fighting hard together as one... so ultimately, we could spend more time with each other. A friend of Tammy's told me that Tammy said no matter what, when she opened her eyes in the ICU or anywhere really, she knew Mitch would be there. And that made me feel so good and so loved.

She was my everything in life and I know she is still with me forever.

I LOVE YOU TAMMY, FOREVER AND ALWAYS.

As you probably know, I lost my beautiful wife Tammy on March 6th due to complications of Lupus. She had just come home after another difficult hospital and rehab stay and I've never seen her so determined to get stronger. We had great plans for our future. Then suddenly, she was gone to heaven. Over the years she endured pain and medical challenges that would have made most people bitter or angry. Not Tammy. She lived with this cruel disease with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She was amazing.

I feel lost and alone and empty right now. She was the reason I got up in the morning. She was not only my wife but my soulmate and my best friend. I've never loved anyone as much as Tammy and her love for me was overwhelming and made me a better man.

My life will never be the same but now I have to learn to live my life without her by my side. It truly won't be easy. I know she'd only want happiness for me, there is no doubt. Thankfully, she will always be with me. She is my angel and I think she's already doing her "work" as an angel first class up in heaven...

On my drive out to Illinois to attend Tammy's services, I found myself feeling drowsy. I kept pushing on though. I fell asleep at the wheel doing 75 MPH+. I was awoken by a very loud noise. What I saw was the left side of my car violently hitting and then bouncing off a concrete construction barrier. All I could think was.. "I'm not going to be able to even make it to Illinois". Surprisingly, the car seemed to drive ok. I knew though I had banged up my car pretty badly with an impact like that.

At the next rest area, I reluctantly got out of my car to see the damage. I was in complete shock... not a dent... not even a scratch! That's not even possible, that had to be Tammy doing her angel thing. I mean, she loved the copper metallic color of our car and she didn't want to see it get a bad boo boo. And let's face it, the sheet metal on a Forte isn't exactly great. If I drifted off ahead where there was no barrier wall, I would have continued to the other side of the highway where I might have been killed.

Tammy just wasn't ready to have me join her in heaven just yet. She's got some catching up to do with her dad. It's gonna be Cardinals season soon and now that she's off pain meds there's lots of ice cold beer to be shared.

I love my Tammy for always.

Holy birthdays today. But here is a happy birthday to a great Mod, Roy.

I consider Mitch to be my best friend. I have never met him in person. But we have had tons of hour conversations on the phone for the last 9 years. Mitch was there for me when my marriage fell apart a few years ago. Even sent me flowers when I was in the hospital with emergency surgery for my gallbladder in 2008. He has given me advice about men and has helped me in a lot of other ways. He's been always honest and there to pick up the phone no matter what time to listen to my last drama.

As you may all know, his wife has been very sick for most of her life. When I met Mitch, she was working full time and never let her Lupus get to her. As the years went on, her health issues began to affect her daily life, but she was always happy and safe with Mitch. Mitch as always dropped everything to be with her in every medical situation.

Tammy lost her battle with Lupus. The call I received from Mitch this morning, was a call I never wanted. I want you all to know, Tammy put up a fight, and it's a fight I know I could never fight for so long. She is more strong then I ever could be. Please, keep Mitch and his wife in your thoughts and prayers. He needs all the help and support from his friends and peeps here at the club right now.

Happy Birthday to the Gegenator! And to milehighhyundai!

Unfotunately my lovely wife Tammy was rushed to the hospital last Friday night. We've been here since.

Been in the ICU and now we are in a regular room. She's dealing with multiple blood clots and infection and MRSA. None of this is easy.

Keep EC going while I'm away and keep Tammy in your prayers.

Mitch

Hope your day goes great!

Greg's no longer very active here but he has been a terrific member and a big time donator in the past.

Hope he has a great one.

Ok here is the deal. Who ever donates the most between Today(12/18/14) and Jan 1st will receive 2 free decals from me. I will pay the shipping too. Dont know about the decals I speak of? Well here is a thread to read... http://www.elantraclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=36984

Donate to this club or it may not be here any longer.

Want to wish all a very prosperous and healthy new year.

Can you believe it? This version of our community forum was 10 years old today!

Hope the board had a good one.