Letters From Grandpa - Softcover

Dr. Gary K. Walker

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0977932206 ISBN 13: 9780977932207

Publisher: Rek-Law Publishing, 2006

Since the publication of this book, many people have asked me why I wrote these letters and what prompted the particular topics. I began writing letters to our grandchildren because some of them moved away from us! They were not available. Some of the older grandkids were growing into new modes of behavior as high school and college students. It is hard to keep up with eleven grandchildren. New friends, jobs, hobbies, and college took on added importance in their lives. Hey, that is the way it is supposed to be. The letters gave Grandma and me a chance to maintain contact with them. I chose the topics so that I could present positive approaches to the challenges that are typical of people at all ages. I was surprised at the topics that were suggested by the grandkids. They suggested such topics as "Making Friends," "What To Do When People Say And Do Bad Things To You, "Making Wise Decisions," "What Is Happiness," and others. Some of the topics used in the letters were taken from my longtime experience in education. They included such letters as "When Life Hands You a Lemon," How To Make Listening Work For You," "Know Your Resources," "Don't Feed The Gorilla," and "Be a Helping Hand." There are other letters, including letters for the holidays, which were not included in this printing. Maybe they can be included at a future date. Did the grandkids respond to all of the letters in the same way? I don't know. Some posted them in places where they could see and refer to them. I was particularly surprised at the positive response they had for stories of the Bible and personal experiences that I shared in the letters. I don't know if all of the grandkids read all of the letters. I do know that when I would stop writing the letters, either Grandma or I would be reminded by some of the grandkids that they missed receiving the letters. I encourage you to share the letters in this book with youth. I discovered it can be a very rewarding experience. You will be pleasantly surprised at the interest they will have regarding some of the topics covered in the contents of this book and others that will surface when they see that you are interested in what they have to say. Sometimes, it is difficult to communicate with young people. It is particularly difficult during the teen years or the time they are in college. Hey, it was that way with some of us when we were in our youth, but you can do it. Give it a try! In composing these letters into book form, I was aware that many young people do not have parents and grandparents. However, you will notice in the content of the book that I have encouraged young people to seek out older people. There are a lot of us around that are willing to be friends to youth in much the same manner as a grandparent. As I have stated in the book, we may not have all the answers but we can help! It wouldn't hurt for us older people to seek out younger people to give them the benefit of our experience. Think about it! Dr. Gary K. Walker

About the Author:

Dr. Gary K. Walker spent over 30 years in education working with hundreds of students, parents, guardians, and faculty. His work experience includes public school education where he worked as a teacher, coach, counselor, and secondary school administrator. He spent 25 years working in higher education where he retired from the position of vice president for student services, a position he held at two different community colleges for 16 years. The motivation for writing the book, Letters From Grandpa, is to encourage young people to think in a positive way and to use the resources available to them.

Review:

What People Are Saying About This Book. Growing up, many of us had that wonderful opportunity to sit down with Grandpa and listen to the wisdom of his years. For those not so fortunate to have received the sage advice from the old man, "Letters From Grandpa" fills that void. I heartily recommend this book. Retired, FBI Agent "Letters From Grandpa" is healthy reading. I like the many positive things the book suggest to live by. High School Student Both children and adults will be delighted with this book. It will be rewarded with a much-earned place on any bookshelf! High School Student The book was inspirational to me. I know it can inspirational to others that read it! Junior High School Student Dr. Walker's book, "Letters From Grandpa" was inspirational reading. The book provides several important points that I can communicate to my grandchildren. Professional Engineer "Letters From Grandpa" is a great teaching tool for both children and adults. Every family should have a copy and use it! Associate District Judge This book is a wonderful resource for parent, grandparents and youth from elementary age to college age students. If I were still teaching in the banking profession, as I did for many years, I would include material from this book in each lesson plan. Retired Banker We have shared "Letters From Grandpa" with friends and they all endorse its use for adults and youth of all ages. It is a wonderful little book that contains valuable reminders that are essential in dealing effectively with daily challenges and issues that we all face. This book is special because it is written by a grandpa. CEO "Letters From Grandpa" is enjoyable reading that provides readers with a review of values that are useful throughout life. This book is a must resource for parents and guardians to share with youth. Educational Administrator I was thoroughly uplifted by reading "Letters From Grandpa." The material is profound in providing readers with new insights and serving as reminders for all of us. The book is entertaining and will be enjoyed by all readers. Minister --Individuals who read the book and share it with others

"Letters From Grandpa" is a wonderful resource for people of all ages to include parents, grandparents and youth form elementary to college age students. The book provides several important points that anyone can communicate to their grandchildren. The book is a great teaching tool for both children and adults. Dr. Walker is a retired college administrator who currently makes his home in the Grand Lake area of northeastern Oklahoma. The book contains letters written about such things as Don't Feed The Gorilla, Dare To Take The Risk, Making Wise Decisions, How To Make Listening Work For You, When People Say And Do Bad Things To You, How To Make Friends, When Life Hands You A Lemon and many other letters that contain practical suggestions for dealing with issues and challenges common to people of all ages. The book is colorful with illustrations to introduce the letters and a humorous wit that makes the book a delightful experience for the reader. --Vinita Daily Journal

What can a grandpa tell ya? Quite a bit, actually. That's why a former educator and an experienced grandfather has published his "tell ya" letters in a book simply titled "Letters From Grandpa." Dr. Walker spent 30 years in education working with hundreds of students, parents, guardians, and faculty. His work experience includes public school education where he worked as a teacher, coach, counselor, and secondary school administrator, and college administrator. Dr. Walker states in his book: "The motivation for writing the book, "Letters From Grandpa" is to encourage young people to think in a positive way and to use resources available to them." The author believes that the younger generation has a wonderful but unused resource in older people, a generation that tends to be forgotten. Dr. Walkers says: "The older generation can be a positive resource to younger people by sharing and discussing experiences common to both age groups. We don't have all the answers but we can help." --Jenks Journal

• Publisher: Rek-Law Publishing
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0977932206
• ISBN 13: 9780977932207
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 126
• Editor: Gary K. Walker
• Illustrator: Della Easton