We got a letter from Corporate Affairs from the state capital.

Dear Ms. Delgers

We have reversed our decision to grant the Riverbend TDG a non-profit society designation. After further discussion, your electoral rules—although unusual—are democratic in nature. Your many bylaws are acceptable to this office.

There are some more forms to fill out, and copies of your bylaws will need to be registered properly. We believe that legislative approval is forthcoming.
We will be watching your organization and this new way.

Sincerely

Abraham Hunter

Registrar

Corporate Affairs

State Government Offices


"Dad, what did you do?" I asked.

"I wrote to 15 law offices in Riverbend and Joosemin and asked them to support the TDG with their own letter to Corporate Affairs. We stated that we believed that Riverbend's TDG was indeed democratic and making a proper application. Just because the bylaws were lengthy and different is no reason to deny an application. Someone in Corporate Affairs might have feared fighting 15 lawyers could stall a career. That's my guess."

"Why did those law offices agree to your request?"

"In part, it's because I am well regarded in my profession. And my Democratic Party involvement gives me some influence. So when I speak, people listen. In another part, I think we lawyers all want to see where this TDG goes in the next few years. I think a couple of my colleagues are members of the TDG in Joosemin."

My father agreed to look over our application work. He said the state legislators seldom challenge this bureaucracy in these matters. But it may be a few months until the application makes its way to the legislature floor for legal approval.

My boss called me into his office for a serious chat.

"Thelma, we really like how you've been bookkeeping for your two clients."

"Thank you. That's nice to hear."

"And we see your good work helps keep our clients' accounting bills lower. We like happy clients.

He continued: "A few years back, we set up a bookkeeper to handle the books for three big clients. It takes about one day a week to handle the books and payroll for each client."

"Do I know this person?"

"Emma Price."

Emma comes by the office every couple of months for a quick meeting with my boss. I know she is a contract bookkeeper.

"And?"

"Emma is moving out of state and will be giving up her clients. Are you interested?"

And that is how I set up my own bookkeeping company.

The income was better than what got as a receptionist, so I dropped that job. I was developing a love for the accounting profession and thought my future should be there. I found a university that offered accounting courses in distance format. It would take me three or four years to get my accounting diploma that way.

To study accounting, the restaurant job also had to go. Stacey was disappointed, but understood. We promised to stay as good friends. Despite my busy schedule, I wanted one more volunteer job to serve my community-and get to know a few more good people.