Writing True

I saved an elderly woman from a conman

AinaBalagtas

Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.

She always came to me at (Legal Aid Society of Hawaii [LASH]) to do her taxes. One tax season, she came with a middle aged man, which I found strange because she used to come by herself. At LASH, the client had to sit with us, volunteer tax preparers during the process; then our supervisor double checked our work and the veracity of the information.

I noticed from the early part of my interview with her that she was reluctant to answer my questions and give her information. And then I saw her a bit shaking to confirm her birthday that we have on file; and that she wasn’t answering me. Then the guy, held her hand and said, “I’m hurt you’re not letting me know your birthday.” Right away, I stood up and said, “wait a second ma’am; I’ll be back.” Then I looked for my supervising attorney, Ted, who was big, half-Hawaiian half-Japanese.

When I found Ted, I talked to him with our overall site manager, Wayne (who was also part Hawaiian). I told them the situation and explained I never saw her in previous years with that guy. She can’t tell me straight anything and was so anxious. I told them, “Please pull the guy and prepare his taxes separate with her.” And so they did.

When the guy left, to sit with Ted, the elderly woman told me, “Thank you for separating us! I just met him outside, as we wait for you guys to open. I don’t know him.” I answered, “It’s okay ma’am, you’re safe now. Let’s finish your tax.”

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