Our son Jonathan visited us this past week. Actually, for the first few days of his visit, he babysat the dogs while we cavorted in Nevada. At the same time, he dismantled Charlie’s office (which he built for us years ago) so that it could be re-floored. And, then re-assembled it by the time we had returned.
What a guy!
He actually is a Hell of a son, to be honest. He’s smart, hard-working, a good husband, and a fun guy to be around. And, he loves us. What more could we ask for?
Jonathan is taking over Charlie’s bookkeeping business. He’s been “apprenticing” for at least eight years (maybe ten?)…ever since his cabinetry business hit the skids during the Great Recession. Of all the kids and acquaintances that Charlie tried to get interested in her business, Jonathan was/is the only one who really took the bit in his mouth and ran with it.
It took Jonathan awhile to become professionally conscientious, but he’s a journeyman bookkeeper now, and he knows what he’s doing. Occasionally, he will “school” Charlie, who has been plying her trade for decades. Jonathan has a knack for numbers, he’s less confused than my wife (she’s old!), and is much more computer-savvy. He’s going to do a great job carrying on the legacy of Charlie Manning Bookkeeping.
Our son is a physical wreck, though. He’s got a bad back and painful hips (from accidents and years of hard, physical work), and it’s hard for him to get his 48 year-old body moving in the morning. But, despite the pain, he soldiers through, not complaining. He’s a man.
Charlie and I were packing up stuff for “the move” this week while Jonathan was here. Luckily, my son and I are about the same size (he’s a bit heavier), and I gave him a bunch of clothes to take home that he can really use in Montana…like cowboy boots and hats, long-sleeve shirts, an expensive cowboy belt, and other stuff that I haven’t used in awhile. All he needs now is a horse and a beat-up pick-up truck.
Charlie and Jonathan will be working closely (figuratively) for the next two years as the transition to 100-percent Jonathan moves forward. They will be on the phone (and Face-time) a lot, and occasionally Jonathan will come down to So Cal to meet with clients or to Mesquite to get some lessons from Charlie. We are going to keep half of our new garage clear so that our son can park his extra car there. At least for awhile…
Jonathan’s wife Misty is also hard-working; she’s got two or three jobs up in Whitefish/Kalispell. I don’t know when she sleeps. The two of them are trying to purchase their own home, too. If everything goes right, they may reach that goal within 12 months. I hope so, because they deserve it.
Our son flew home this morning. I hope he has a great return trip and is greeted with hugs and kisses. He deserves them.
