Unfortunately thats the way it goes mate, ive had similar things happen in the past, wasn't 8 months though, but know how you feel, you gotta stick with it and remain patient, however hard and annoying it is at the moment, it WILL be worth all the waiting in the end
Your still welcome to come over and introduce yourself, even if you dont have your scooby, i thought i'd be attending this meet in my civic lol