I MET A MAN WHO LOST EVERYTHING...EXCEPT ONE THING: THE WILL TO KEEP GOING

About a few years ago, I met a man who was doing very well at all that he did. A modest man who believed in working hard, loved his family and wherever he went, he performed admirably. A good neighbor and friend and just a decent human being. Well, he got audited by the IRS and right after that lost his home to foreclosure...now what?

HE WAS AN ORDINARY MAN WHO WORKED FOR ALL HE HAD

He had manage to put away over the years $350,000 into tax deferred accounts which was to be his retirement. His accountant who he had used for over 25 years was on point with this sure fire way not pay taxes until you withdraw the funds. It turns out that the IRS completely challenged the concept and then started tracking down every client of this accountant and auditing them.

MY FRIEND GOT THE DREADED SUMMONS TO APPEAR

My friend was told to attend a meeting and bring all documents. He was explained that to tell the truth would go better for him than trying to withhold the truth and to take a moment to think about it. Well, this man loved the truth and needed no moment to think about anything and said, I have nothing to hide and lets proceed. Over the next few weeks, the IRS ended up taking from him $323,000.

THE IRS AGENT WAS HUMBLED BY HONESTY...SAID THIS ISN'T THE NORM

The IRS agent told him that he admired him and his telling of the truth. The agent said many choose to lie to him and he has access to all records and catches people all day long lying. He then fines them accordingly. The agent said while he felt bad, he only performed within his duties. All understood

MY FRIEND TOOK A LICK-IN...BUT KEPT ON TICK- IN

My friend who got audited was flabbergasted at all this and while glad he didn't lie, he remained in shock. He said he was tempted to lie, but chose instead not to doubt what he knew was right in his heart. It was more difficult that it sounds. It bordered on agony. Meanwhile, his income came to an abrupt halt because of the recent economic crash and he lost his home. The world and all the dark forces poised, and then came in for the kill

RECAP

Lets recount: A man who trusted his accountant lost $350,000, then his home along with his income. He was tempted beyond endurance and held on. HE HELD ON. Little by little, he came out of it. I helped him short sell his home which gave him moving money. Slowly, he gained momentum one day at a time and started walking around on two feet before long. Not bad for a guy who crawled for months and months sobbing as he went.

HE CAME BACK WITHIN 3 YEARS

Now, he owns another home and business has picked up so he can afford it. His family is safe, he has his health and there is something about this man even his presence which causes one to have faith and gratitude when around him. He is still a humble, modest man, but one that understands what it is to be a man and all that goes with it...

I remain a better man for knowing him