# The Tree My Parents Planted

*September 21, 2023 · Note to the team · Roby John*

Today is the 21st of September — probably the most important day in my calendar growing up. It's my parents' birthday, and the day, in 2005, that we bought the Charlie's House office.

My parents planted the central tree that day. Every year we'd take a photo of the tree together; the last photo I have of the two of them is by those trees. From an empty building, it's now a full garden — with each of you in it.

My mother taught me extreme dedication and focus — and to do all of it with a smiling face, without losing the human touch. Our values of Care, Gratitude and Growth grew from lessons I learned at home, by example.

We lost her to a sudden cardiac arrest, when I could do nothing. So this year, as a company, we're offering free health checkups for everyone's parents. Don't wait. Just be aware of how they are.