On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped off a ladder and into history with words that would echo forever: "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."

What many don't know is the story behind those words. Dr. Solacoff, one of Armstrong's closest friends, shared how Armstrong drew inspiration from a childhood game during that historic journey—Mother May I, with its "small steps" and "giant leaps." It's a quieter, more human side to one of history's greatest moments.

Dr. Solacoff has spoken about this connection publicly, including in interviews with the Boston Sun and the 2019 documentary Apollo: The Forgotten Film, where he remembers Armstrong not as an icon, but as a friend.

We've always cherished Mother May I ourselves—playing it, refining it, keeping it alive. Learning that it may have touched one of humanity's most defining moments only made us love it more.

The best childhood games never really leave us. They shape who we become and sometimes, just sometimes, they change the world.