Thanksgiving is a great time to bring the family together. However, the holiday can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones. Knowing this, the staff at Excel Fitness’s club in Dalton, Georgia, stepped up to help a grieving member celebrate a happy Thanksgiving.

Planet Fitness^® member Billy Byrd was having a hard time after his wife of 35 years passed away. He lived alone and was preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time without his wife. Thanks to General Manager Jessica Moss and Assistant Manager Chris Taylor, along with team members Jacob Land, Adam Rangel and Trinity Lowery, he did not have to spend the holiday alone, as they went to Billy’s home for a potluck Thanksgiving dinner.

It was a true feast, with everyone pitching in for the festivities. Jessica brought a brown sugar ham, green bean casserole, sweet carrots, homemade banana pudding, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Chris brought macaroni and cheese.  Trinity brought mashed potatoes. Adam brought a fruit bowl and rotisserie chicken. Jacob brought the drinks, plates and utensils. Additionally, team member Olivia Akers sent homemade chocolate chip cookies and team member Sharlene Caldwell sent apple pie. 

After eating a delicious meal, the team took a trip down memory lane with Billy, viewing his family photos in his home. Chris and Billy played the guitar and sang country music, classic rock and blues music together. The whole group joined in singing classics like “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Blues Man” by Hank Williams Jr. The day was filled with fun, lightness and comfort for Byrd during a holiday that otherwise would’ve been lonely if the Excel Fitness team hadn’t stepped up. It was proof that PF staff are truly there for their members, both inside and outside the gym.

“It was just an honor getting to spend time with Billy and hear stories about his wife and his time in the military,” Moss said. “He teared up showing us a photo on their wedding day. The love they had for each other was beautiful to see transcend past death.”