I had a 10 a.m. appointment this morning with the woman who’s been doing my taxes for about five years now. I only see her at this time of year. Earlier, I had explained that I didn’t work as much at my various paying chores last year due to the worsening condition of my mom.

When she learned that Mom had died, she said she lost her mother two years ago. And then it was as if a door opened out of the tax office and into another world. A world where grown children lose their mothers at holiday time (hers right after Thanksgiving, mine soon after Christmas).

Her desk has been moved to the back, so the manager wasn’t a constant presence as in past years. For almost half an hour, she talked about how she still hasn’t gotten over her loss. I told her I wasn’t sure I was up to visiting my mom’s grave at Easter. It is too soon.

I’ve never wept while having my taxes worked on, but it was a close one today. What a sight that would have been for a taxpaying citizen to walk in on - the tax preparer and a client both awash in tears.

My taxes? Ah, they’re fine. I’m getting a refund.