There was a barbershop in our area that was always busy. Music played loudly. Customers laughed and argued about football. The atmosphere was lively. But there was one thing everyone noticed. An empty chair in the corner. Nobody sat there. Not customers. Not barbers. No one. One afternoon, a newcomer asked why the chair was always empty. The room became quiet. The owner walked over and gently touched the chair. Then he explained. Years ago, the shop had started with two friends. They worked side by side. Shared profits. Shared struggles. Shared dreams. Business wasn't easy in the beginning. Some days they barely made enough money to buy fuel for the generator. But they kept going. Eventually, the shop became successful. Then tragedy struck. One of the friends passed away unexpectedly. The surviving partner decided never to remove the chair. Not because he couldn't move on. But because he never wanted to forget the journey. The chair became a reminder. A reminder of loyalty. Of sacrifice. Of friendship. Of humble beginnings. As I listened, I realized something important. Many people celebrate success. Few people remember the people who helped them reach it. We often focus on destinations and forget the companions who walked the road with us. Gratitude is more than saying "thank you." It's remembering those who contributed to our story. Even when they are no longer present. Sometimes the greatest wealth a person has is not money. It's the people who stood beside them when they had nothing. Who is someone you will always be grateful for, regardless of where life takes you?
