Hey friend,

Hope it’s OK, but I’m going to steer away from fitness for a moment today.

(But don’t worry—I’m not deleting dumbbell rows from your calendar just yet.)

This is important.

Not many people know this about me, but years ago I had the chance to work with my Dad.

It was a solid four years - something I’ll always be grateful for.

He had this quirky little store called The Old Barn Mall where you could buy everything from fireplaces and grills to wood-burning stoves and even Gospel music. (Yes, all under one roof. Basically Cracker Barrel meets Home Depot with a side of revival lol)

One morning, a man walked in who changed the way I see Memorial Day forever.

He was probably in his late 60s, maybe early 70s. He came in looking for a fireplace, so naturally, my Dad stepped in to help because my mechanical skills are, well… let’s just say my wife is the real “Miss Fix It” in our house.

As they talked details like measurements, venting, placement, etc., etc. my Dad casually asked him what he did for a living.

The man replied: “I’m retired from the military.”

Without missing a beat, my Dad smiled, shook his hand, and said: “Well, thank you for your service.”

What happened next is burned into my memory.

The man’s jaw clenched. His eyes welled up with tears. And in a voice that cracked under the weight of decades, he said:

“No one has ever thanked me. Thank you.”

I glanced at my Dad and saw his face shift... from polite curiosity to shock, then sadness.

He quietly replied, “You’re welcome, sir.”

That moment wrecked me.

Until then, I thought I appreciated Memorial Day. But that day gave it a whole new meaning.

We don’t thank these brave men and women enough.

And honestly, I think we take our freedom for granted more than we’d like to admit.

Let’s fix that starting today.

Take a moment to reflect. To remember. And if you see a veteran or know someone who’s served, tell them two words that mean more than we realize:

Thank you.

Relax, rejuvenate, and reflect,
Mikey