Nothing tires you out more than grandkids 1/10th your age with 10x your energy. After a week of being “grandpa” I reflect back to ensure I fulfilled my job to re-enforce they are loved and valued without conditions. My grandpa was 80 when I was born and for the next 10 years we laughed at our antics, rode tractors on the farm, played hours of games, walked through the county fair . . . memories that carry me today.
Last week we belly laughed playing UNO, rode the John Deere (mower), survived the Tornado at a waterpark (almost lost grandma!) and told them every day, “Thank you for being here. I love being with you.”
They shyly returned my hugs. I walked out the door, suitcase in hand, returned to work. I hope I did my job . . . memories of one who loves and values them unconditionally carrying them into an unknown future.
Stephen is an author, teacher, and thought leader in human Value and Worth. He is the author of Thinking Out Loud - Uncovering An Extraordinary Life, Uncommon Sense for Unreasonable Times, Cultivating a Winner from Within, and a Divorced Parent's Guide to Seeing Your Kids.Stephen has traveled the world teaching Executive Leadership and Value skills on three continents to such companies as General Motors, Trek Bicycles Worldwide, FBI, U.S. Navel Academy, New Scotland Yard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and hundreds more.
Walrath is the Past President of Crime Stoppers International with responsibilities for over 1200 programs in 17 countries. He was the President of Great Radio Broadcasting, transforming a single AM radio station into 8 enterprises doing business in 3 countries, earning him the YMCA’s of America Key Leader Award.
Stephen is married with three grown children and lives in southern Wisconsin. He and his wife, Gabriella, are proud shareholders of the Green Bay Packers.
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