Doing tax returns for a living is usually a simple transaction, a nice way

to make most people at least satisfied and that makes it easier to deal with the couple people every year that are quick to blame the messenger because of their tax problems.

I take those with a grain of salt and usually just let them vent enough to get it out of their systems so they don't kill anyone on the way home.

But tonight, tonight was special.

You see I do a lot of tax returns for people who work really hard in mostly thankless jobs. Most of these folks are care givers at home, you know, taking in a grandchild or two for what ever reason or caring for an elderly parent who is too sick to live on their own but not eligible for any kind of elder care as of yet.

This client I have somehow scrounged up enough money to put a down payment on a house. Not a dream house, mind you , but a house all the same. She's handy and tough and will make the house into a home before you can say Jack Robinson.

She was all worried about getting the First Time Home Credit because she had a trailer.

When I told her that the amended credit meant she was still eligible regardless of who owned the trailer, I could hear the relief in her voice.

She cried when she came over to sign the returns and pay for my work when I told her she was going to be getting a check on the north side of 10 grand.

She was surprised I charged her so little to do the tax return hearing about some tax preparers that charged a percentage or the refund. I told her that's not how I operate. I did charge her $ 25 more than last year but just because I had to do more work, not because she was getting a much larger refund.

I told her never to forget that it was President Obama and the democrats in Congress, guys like Sherrod Brown who she once met, that made this all possible.

She nodded.

The mascara was streaking down her face in the little rivulets left by age and worry because she "never left the house without her face on."

She left and I felt satisfied and happy that I could help make someone happy.

This is a night that she won't soon forget either...

Good on ya, Chris.

On edit: Proud to be rec #5.

and making a positive difference in other people's lives.

:applause:

What a way to start my day. Thanks!