To preserve the privacy of my friend his name has been changed to Jake.
Jake was my CPA for as long as I can remember. He owned his small private family business. He is such an incredible person. A family man. Loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, etc.
Sometimes in life, we just take an extreme liking (and disliking too) to people. Jake is one of those people I took an extreme liking to. I knew I could trust him. He was honest to his core. He held nothing back.
My appointment to complete my 2019 tax returns was in March 2020. A few days before my appointment the state was shutting down. No more face-to-face appointments. I received an email from Jake’s office instructing me to drop off my documents 2-3 days before my appointment. Our scheduled appointment would be held over the phone.
When I arrived to deliver my documents there was someone else in the office. After standing out front for what felt like forever, I was signaled to go inside.
As I stepped inside, I was told to stand over there – away from the other three. At this point, I hear Jake say to the person who was already inside “I planned to tell all of my clients personally when they came in for their appointment that I sold my business and am retiring."
My heart sank. Happy for Jake that he is retiring yet sad to lose my CPA of so many years.
He told me as of December 31, 2019, he no longer owned the business. He was staying on through the 2020 tax season to help out and he promised he would do my tax return.
Jake was coughing while I was in the office. I recall pointing at him from across the room with a questionable look on my face. As I left his office Jake held the door for me. Such a gentleman. My arm brushed his as I passed through the door.
To keep this short, Jake did not do my tax return. He got COVID. He was in the hospital for eleven (11) days. The doctors told his wife to prepare herself that they would likely take him off the ventilator in 2 days.
Jake Pulled Through!
I got connected with Jake through my dentist who Jake had referred me to several years prior. The dentist told Jake that I kept asking about him. One day out of the blue Jake called me. He, his wife, and I met for lunch. They filled me in on how it all went down. What an experience.
After the 2019 tax season, I fired the person Jake sold his business to. One of my probate clients recommended his CPA. That person was fired after the 2020 tax season. Jake spoiled me and set the CPA bar high.
Jake provided me with the name of a personal friend who is now my CPA and will do my 2021 tax returns. I am confident it is a great match and there will not be a need to search for another CPA.
Jake is no longer my CPA however he and his wife are now friends. I have their emails, cell phone numbers, home address, etc. I’ve been invited to their home for Thanksgiving dinner which is where I will be on Thanksgiving.
I am so grateful to God that Jake survived COVID and blessed to now call him and his wife, friend!
This is my Day 7 entry to the Thanksgiving Challenge 2021
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