I just got done gathering all my credit card receipts, bank statements and other assorted paperwork needed for taxes and got them ready my accountant. Like a Christmas present sans wrapping paper and ribbon, file folder upon file folder filled a box with a note on the top signed by me that simply said, “good luck.”
Like millions of Americans, I’m hoping for a refund.
At the same time, I’m reminded that hope springs eternal.
While going through all the scraps of paper that make up this bundle, I found stuff that sparked a few memories, a chuckle and about ten minutes of fighting back tears.
I found the receipt for $32.50 for 9 holes of golf, club rentals and a cart. Looking at the faded piece of paper, I couldn’t tell if this was before or after I wasted money on lessons. I did recall that this game lasted all of three holes before I threw the clubs back in the cart and said, “%$#@ this.”
There was the receipt for the Indian restaurant I begrudgingly went to with a group of friends that gave me an intense fear of this type of cuisine that will remain with me for life.
A tax form for the $1250 I won at a casino made it into the box. I remember that night pretty well. I put $50 in a $5 machine and in three spins, I won. Like a good boy, I left with my winnings in my pocket and I haven’t been back since; making me just the kind of customer casinos love.
Then there was the folder with thousands upon thousands of dollars of medical bills for my buddy, Peanut. “Damn it,” I said as I went through page upon page reading doctors notes detailing his condition and what we were to do to make his final months as comfortable as possible.
As a tear came to my eye, I looked down to my right at Baby who’s sound asleep in the bed she would share with her best friend. As she snored, I tossed the file into the trash, sealed up the box and sent it off to be shipped.
Just then the phone rang.
“What’s the matter, you sound a little down. Is everything ok?” the voice on the other end asked.
“Yep, everything is fine. Just gathering stuff for my taxes.”