About a week and a half ago I received a call from the CPA of a client saying that her attorney requested that all services be performed by one person. For the last 8 years I have been helping my client Mrs. P. with her bill payments, bank reconciliations, tracking what was spent on prescriptions and medical costs, and more.
I was originally introduced to her through a non-medical care agency that was assisting her husband in the home. During one conversation with Mrs. P., they discovered her sight was fading and she was struggling with paying her bills. The co-owner of the company asked me to call and offer my assistance.
At the time, both Mr. and Mrs. P were in their 90’s, his health was declining and she was slowly losing her sight and hearing. I’m not sure they had ever thought of hiring a bookkeeping company to assist with these tasks, but I began going twice a month to manage their expenses.
A couple years later, Mr. P. passed away. Mrs. P. had experienced much loss in her life including her children preceding her in death due to an accident and illness. I knew she was lonely as she couldn’t get out as much anymore due to her loss of sight and outliving many of her friends and family.
Each time I did work, we also chatted about our lives. She learned about my family, I learned about her experiences. Periodically I’d take her out for lunch or frozen yogurt, and my husband and kids would often come along. When my parents needed a place to stay when visiting, she allowed them to use a bedroom in her home. When my daughter went on a missions trip, she gave a financial donation.
I say all of this to show we had a significant relationship that was not just about me paying her bills and managing her paperwork. I saw her like a grandmother to me, and she is one of my favorite clients to spend time with when I can.
Last week was my final visit as her bookkeeper. She was worried I’d be mad I was no longer going to help, but I let her know I understood. She explained her vision is getting so poor now that the attorney wants her CPA who has power of attorney to manage everything going forward. She is sad her physical limitations changed our working relationship, but I let her know it doesn’t change our friendship. We put on the calendar the next time I’m picking her up for lunch, and we’ll be celebrating her 98th birthday.
Assisting my clients is not just about the money we make. Of course I have to be profitable to stay in business, so income has to be a factor. But the relationships my staff and I develop with my clients is just as important. I want my clients to know we care about them as people too.
If you are looking for a bookkeeping or payroll company, we’d love to talk to you, see if we are a good fit, and develop a relationship. We can be reached at 310-534-5577 or www.abandp.com.
