Michael Bonne Family Relief Fund

My name is Dave Floyd, the reclusive guy co-opting Leilani's FB profile and often found guilty of writing stupidly long posts.

My intention here is to encourage the collective generosity of all Coach House RV owners, CHOC members, Michael Bonne's former Coach House employer and past & present employees of our industry-leading beloved brand.

My recent experience at Michael Bonne's Extreme RV Repair has just concluded. My wife Leilani and I, were there from 19-27 June, for an initial round of upgrades. The time spent with Michael was bitter-sweet, as intermixed with his incredibly patient, easy-going spirit and outgoing personality, was the news he'd shared regarding a heartbreaking journey surrounding his wife's diminished struggle against cancer.

The impression left on my mind, is that Michael is a textbook example of an optimist. His default perspective appears to reflexively find the 'silver lining' in every circumstance. His good-natured upbeat character is infectious and encouraging. Despite this unusually positive character attribute, the occasional reference to his wife; Teresa's failing health ...brought a heavy sigh with an emotionally wearied and downcast expression to his face.

I struggled to communicate the right balance of respect for family privacy and a sincere expression of my prayerful concerns for his wife. I sensed what sounded like an expected impending loss, and couldn't help but empathize and ache inside for him. I believe that Michael valued my 'RV upgrade project' equally as a productive distraction from an unfolding family tragedy, as much as a source of continued income.

The heaviness of this family's circumstances was personally felt. My selfish list of RV modifications abruptly diminished in relative importance to human life. Somehow, I could step back from my materialism long enough to see a sort of trivial pettiness within, at the inconsequential level (by context) against a loved one's grave illness.

Inside my soul, Michael's burden was impressed upon me and I could literally view the impact of mounting medical bills, business operating expenses and the need for his physical immediacy on behalf of his wife; Teresa ...had mandated Michael's recent move from the prior business park location to his residential doorstep.

Thankfully, his landlord is supportive of Michael's needs ...and permits the parking of an RV in the driveway. Understandably, Michael took a day off from the upgrade project to do what any devoted husband would ...accompany and support Teresa during an important medical procedure.

As I understand it, medical insurance wouldn't fully cover the necessary diagnostic testing his wife's pathology required, likely contributing towards progression of the disease process ...and the adversely developing prognosis.

Michael had also confided in me, that he had no idea whether Teresa had an active policy covering life or burial insurance ...and that he couldn't pay off the formidable accumulation of medical bills in two lifetimes.

I began thinking of what could be done on Michael's behalf, to offer encouragement, prayers and material support. I've had no experience with a 'crowd-funding' effort ...and hope that my unawareness doesn't in some way handicap this campaign of goodwill.

I've already read many comments concurring that Michael Bonne represents the 'heart and soul' of the Coach House brand ...and he occupies a central focal point for the fellowship of our extended owner/enthusiast family. His vital contributions of technical support to our vehicles and RV lifestyle are far-reaching and innumerable. A tremendous debt of gratitude is owed for the wisdom he has graciously dispensed on our facebook forums at no charge.

Each of us is presented with both a chance to express appreciation for that exceptional product support ...and to come alongside this family, lifting them up to help shoulder their financial burdens and minister to their forlorn souls.

A lasting value impressed upon me as an infantryman in the Army was; 'Leave no man behind' and 'We take care of our own'... I'd like that moral ideal and mission statement to prove true as a continuing legacy for Michael and his family as well.

The extent to which we care for the wounded and fallen amongst us ...reveals the depth of our character. I'm anxious for the opportunity to contribute funding on behalf of this family ...and I believe that many others feel similarly.

Heavenly mercies and Godspeed to the Bonne family

Epilogue: Yesterday, I received a text from Michael informing me of Teresa's entry into home hospice care. He'd regrettably added that the hospice RN predicted a week (if that) of Teresa's life remains.

Michael ended his text with: "Thanks much for your prayers, love and support".