Warning: This is not one of my typical training-related blog posts. If you’re looking for information to enhance your career as a fitness professional, personal trainer, or strength coach, stop here. But if you’re interested in an experience that may resonate with you as a human being, read on…

It was the summer of 1986. School had just ended, and I decided it was time to make some money. A part-time position was available at a grocery store not far from my house called Miracle Food Mart. I went in for an interview and was told that ten people had applied for the job. They said I would be notified by the end of the week if selected.

The week came to an end, and there was no phone call. So, I decided to try my luck at another grocery store even closer to home called I.G.A. I went in, filled out an application, was interviewed on the spot by the manager, and was offered the job, which I happily accepted. I started working the very next day.

Later that week, I received a call from Miracle Food Mart asking why I had missed my shift. Apparently, I had been chosen for the position, but someone forgot to notify me. Since I had already started at I.G.A., I had to let that job go.

Why am I telling you this story?

It was at I.G.A. that I met a coworker named Mary Vetro, who, ten years later, became Mary Catanzaro—my wife. If someone had called from Miracle Food Mart when they were supposed to, my life could have turned out very differently.

Now, fast forward to April of 2014 when I experienced a biceps tear that required surgical repair. At the time, my daughters were competing in numerous dance competitions across Canada and the U.S., and my wife was with them the whole time. Our four-year-old son needed care, and I was drowning in work with a major speaking engagement looming and a full client load. Pardon the pun, but I needed a hand!

My mom stepped up.

I don’t get to see my mom much. My work hours run late, our kids are involved in countless activities, and weekends are usually packed. Add to that her winters in Florida, and it becomes nearly impossible to find time together. But when she heard about my injury, she immediately offered to help—and she did everything: looking after my son, making my meals, driving me around, washing my clothes. You name it, she took care of it. Her support allowed me to keep working and focus on healing.

Why am I telling you this story?

It had been over ten years since I’d experienced an injury of this magnitude. In the past two years, I hadn’t even had a minor issue. Everything seemed perfect—my nutrition, sleep, stress management, and training were all on point. So why did this happen?

The leading theory was overuse, thanks to the harsh winter we had endured. Between ice storms and heavy snowfalls, I spent countless hours clearing snow and ice to keep my clients safe outside the gym before I put them through their paces inside it! That was the explanation I settled on—until I noticed the transformation my mother went through.

During her time with me, my mom and I ate the same meals (she just ate smaller portions). My wife gave her some paleo books to read, and my mom began experimenting with recipes. She asked questions, I gave answers, and she even listened to my audiobooks while we drove.

She started to change.

My mother ditched processed foods and stopped taking her cholesterol pills. She began exercising more and, for the first time, truly embraced the lifestyle I had been preaching for years. The results? She lost thirty pounds, her aches and pains vanished, and her overall health improved dramatically.

That’s when it hit me—maybe this injury didn’t happen because of something I did wrong. Maybe it had nothing to do with me at all. Could it be that this was a strange way of helping my mother?

Whenever something “bad” happens, I always try to find the “good” in it. What seemed like a setback at first turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Spending more time with my mom was an unexpected bonus, but watching her transform her health was the real gift.

We all make mistakes—it’s part of life. The key is to learn from them and avoid repeating them. This injury reminded me to account for all activities outside the gym and prioritize recovery when needed. Lesson learned!

Whatever life throws your way, stay positive and look for the lessons in it. Things happen for a reason!