what would you do?

[Tom A]

I would fix it, sentimental value or not. The Bessa R is now out of production and it is a great little LTM lens camera. I have one that I use quite a lot with old Leica/Russian LTM's.
My R occasionally jams if you try to shot it at slow speds and attempt to advance it before the shutter has closed. So far I have managed to "unjam" it the couple of time it has happened by putting it on B and jiggle the advance.
The R also has a tendency to be "sticky" when you load it. You got the film in correctly and try to advance for a first frame on to the take up spool. I "toggle" the sprocket wheel with my finger and so far that has always helped.

 

[ZeissFan]

It's a gift from your wife. No matter whether she knows anything about cameras, this particular camera has a lot of meaning to it -- for her and for you. I would have it repaired.

 

[pvdhaar]

Apart from the emotional reasons to have it repaired, there's rationale to it as well. A properly repaired camera will have been thoroughly checked inside and out. Given the reputation of broken shutters on the completely mechanical Bessa's that probably means it's even better than when it was new..