At a time like this, it’s worthwhile to take a step back from the hypocrisy of COVID quarantine-dodging politicians and the nonstop chaos of figuring out exactly what happened in the election that was held just about a month ago now. And it’s stories like Charles “Duke” Tanner’s that let us do just that.

A little over a month ago, the Indiana man was serving hard time — a thirty-year sentence — for federal drug and conspiracy convictions in a Pennsylvania prison. But then, on Wednesday, October 21, Duke got some stunning news: President Donald J. Trump had commuted the final 10 years of his sentence. And he was set to be released immediately.

Here’s how the Chicago Tribune described what happened:

Tanner said Thursday he found out he was getting released after the prison’s 4 p.m. stand up count Wednesday.

[…]

“They came to my cell and said, ‘We gotta take you.’ I said, ‘What’s going on?’ ‘You’re getting an immediate release,’” he said. “I got to say a prayer and praise God.”

It continued:

When he was arrested, Tanner was an undefeated light heavyweight boxer from Gary who had been in a televised fight on ESPN. Then 24, he was one of the brightest talents to come through Gary’s storied Police Athletic League gym.

[…]

Tanner’s arrest stunned those who knew him as a charming, church-going man many believed had the talent to become a world champion.

The Tribune story also mentions that Duke had no prior criminal record. He told the paper:

“Make sure that the President knows how grateful I am,” Tanner said in a phone interview. “If you go to my boxing career, the second, third fight (was at the Trump-owned casino) in Gary,” he said. “That’s the same guy giving me my clemency.”

Now, the father is sharing a deeply-personal video of himself and his son, C.J., on their first day of boxing training Wednesday. And it’s truly heartwarming to behold. It captures one of thousands of moments the dad probably never thought he would get the chance to have. Life experiences are things no money can replace. And time must feel even more precious to Duke, now that he’s free to pursue his dreams again outside prison walls.

Before the Twitter video, Duke wrote these touching words:

What a Beautiful feeling to be Training my Son @CjTanner_ for the First time! Don’t be surprised if you see him on one of my undercards…. #DukeGotNext This is the greatest gift @POTUS @realDonaldTrump could have ever gave me!!!!

What a Beautiful feeling to be Training my Son @CjTanner_ for the First time! Don’t be surprised if you see him on one of my undercards…. #DukeGotNext

This is the greatest gift @POTUS @realDonaldTrump could have ever gave me!!!! pic.twitter.com/mkFd2AMhov

— Duke Tanner (@DukeNext) December 2, 2020

Earlier in the day, he shared that one of his former high school teachers had sent him a special gift in the mail. And, as he did after his clemency, he made sure to thank God for what he’d been given. He also had another message for POTUS:

I want to give a Huge thank you to my former Teacher from Andrean Chris Guzman!!! I haven’t put on the Gloves in 16 years!This was a beautiful gift and I’m forever Grateful!!! #DukeGotNext @POTUS @realDonaldTrump I need you to be there sitting Front Row at my big Comeback Fight!

I want to give a Huge thank you to my former Teacher from Andrean Chris Guzman!!! I haven’t put on the Gloves in 16 years!This was a beautiful gift and I’m forever Grateful!!! #DukeGotNext@POTUS @realDonaldTrump I need you to be there sitting Front Row at my big Comeback Fight! pic.twitter.com/YCCGkb9M1V

— Duke Tanner (@DukeNext) December 2, 2020

I wish Duke and his family the best of luck — in life and in the ring he so clearly loves.