I think you made the right decision. I am sure your mom understands that the cracking worries you and you have an opportunity to sell before the cracking gets worse- you will remember her kind gesture on your 18th birthday forever- it is not about a "thing".Thanks everyone for the advice, I did try and get more quotes for a repair but I am hesitant to go through with it and end up with a botched bag. I have decided to sell it to Fashionphile for the $550, sad to see it go but I'm sure I will shop at LV with my mom again in the future! (turning 30 this year)