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Walk On
In today's world, grief and adversity are everywhere, causing many to suffer and lose hope. From the depths of darkness and greatest loss emerges an intimate, candid, and raw story of a father's search for meaning following tragedy. Walk On is a resilience-centered guidebook for overcoming struggle while teaching that the path to a purposeful life filled with kindness, compassion, and service resides within all of us.
Drawing upon his wisdom and leadership experience, Stephen Panus provides real-world applications of indispensable values and traits for becoming the best version of ourselves. We all suffer in some manner, but no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must Walk On.
Drawing upon his wisdom and leadership experience, Stephen Panus provides real-world applications of indispensable values and traits for becoming the best version of ourselves. We all suffer in some manner, but no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must Walk On.
178 pages, Hardcover
Published May 14, 2024
12 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Panus
1 book11 followersThe most trusted, authoritative and influential voice in the publishing world, Kirkus Book Reviews, raves about Stephen Panus's debut work, "Walk On", proclaiming it to be "a raw, moving memoir that deftly explores grief and hope in equal measure . . . It is Panus' unique and sometimes poetic turns of phrase, however, that truly bring Jake's story to life . . . The author's acknowledgment that grief is an "unwelcome topic in our society" makes his willingness to tackle it head-on even more admirable."
Stephen Panus has been a publicist, sports agent, artist, attorney, sports marketing executive, and motivational speaker. He’s represented an NFL Pro Bowl player and Super Bowl champion, a multiple-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and a “Dancing with the Stars” champion, international star tennis players, and serves as president of The Jockey Club’s America’s Best Racing brand. Yet, the only title that’s ever mattered to him has been being a father to his two boys, Jake and Liam.
When his elder son, Jake, was tragically and suddenly killed as a passenger in a reckless car crash at the tender age of sixteen in the summer of 2020, Stephen’s life imploded. Seeking to both survive and move forward, he wrote “Walk On” to confront his daily agony and inspire a renewed and resilient faith in living and regaining purpose. Stephen and his wife, Kellie, live in Connecticut with their son, Liam, foster daughter, April, and two dogs.
Stephen Panus has been a publicist, sports agent, artist, attorney, sports marketing executive, and motivational speaker. He’s represented an NFL Pro Bowl player and Super Bowl champion, a multiple-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and a “Dancing with the Stars” champion, international star tennis players, and serves as president of The Jockey Club’s America’s Best Racing brand. Yet, the only title that’s ever mattered to him has been being a father to his two boys, Jake and Liam.
When his elder son, Jake, was tragically and suddenly killed as a passenger in a reckless car crash at the tender age of sixteen in the summer of 2020, Stephen’s life imploded. Seeking to both survive and move forward, he wrote “Walk On” to confront his daily agony and inspire a renewed and resilient faith in living and regaining purpose. Stephen and his wife, Kellie, live in Connecticut with their son, Liam, foster daughter, April, and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 4, 2024
This book is a sincere narrative about going through suffering...
I remember a dialogue in a movie that said: "When someone loses his parents, he is called an orphan, but the grief of losing a child is so great that to address the fathers and mothers who lost their children They have given, not a single word has been made..."
This book, in a decent way, shows the effort to heal and overcome this indescribable suffering, and I think the biggest reason for this book's goodness is that it is real! Emotions, hardships, sorrow and healing are not visible... You could never think that this narrative, these sentences and even a small corner of this book could be a lie or an exaggeration, and this made the book intimate and "Real" to be seen!
I want to write more about this book, but nothing can do justice to the content as much as reading it...
For all those who have experienced the loss of someone, and for all those who are in contact with these bereaved people, this book can be a good book.
While reading the book, I wanted to hug the author and the rest of the family members for the great sorrow they have gone through, as the author in his words in this book, as if he hugged all the readers of the book.
Thanks to the Booktester team for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review
Ps: In Farsi, we use the word "رَنْجْ(ranj)" to describe the sadness that accompanies us for a long time, in English, the suggested equivalent is "suffering", but I don't think they mean it, Close enough... If you know a word to replace, suggest me to replace it in my review. thank you🤝🏻
I remember a dialogue in a movie that said: "When someone loses his parents, he is called an orphan, but the grief of losing a child is so great that to address the fathers and mothers who lost their children They have given, not a single word has been made..."
This book, in a decent way, shows the effort to heal and overcome this indescribable suffering, and I think the biggest reason for this book's goodness is that it is real! Emotions, hardships, sorrow and healing are not visible... You could never think that this narrative, these sentences and even a small corner of this book could be a lie or an exaggeration, and this made the book intimate and "Real" to be seen!
I want to write more about this book, but nothing can do justice to the content as much as reading it...
For all those who have experienced the loss of someone, and for all those who are in contact with these bereaved people, this book can be a good book.
While reading the book, I wanted to hug the author and the rest of the family members for the great sorrow they have gone through, as the author in his words in this book, as if he hugged all the readers of the book.
Thanks to the Booktester team for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review
Ps: In Farsi, we use the word "رَنْجْ(ranj)" to describe the sadness that accompanies us for a long time, in English, the suggested equivalent is "suffering", but I don't think they mean it, Close enough... If you know a word to replace, suggest me to replace it in my review. thank you🤝🏻
July 4, 2024
This book is painful and very sad. I really had to take many breaks to keep reading; reading someone else's pain is overwhelming. Especially because no parent should go through that pain. It reminded me of the change my grandmother went through when her daughter died; it's really tough to live through that whole process. No one ends up the same after such a loss.
In this book, we can read about the entire process the author has gone through regarding his loss, but I also have no doubt that Jake has a family who loves him and who inspired him in many ways. He will not only be remembered by his family but also by all the children with the same dreams as him.
It's really insane the number of sentences that struck me in this book, but there's one in particular that I really want you to read:"No matter when your purpose is discovered, it will take hard work, dedication, sacrifice, commitment, and effort to fulfill it and live it out in a consequential manner. There is no singular road to realizing one’s purpose. You must believe in yourself,
push beyond fears, and conquer obstacles. You will be compelled to scale walls outside the boundaries of your comfort level. Your curiosity will be provoked and self-doubts challenged in order to understand your why"
In this book, we can read about the entire process the author has gone through regarding his loss, but I also have no doubt that Jake has a family who loves him and who inspired him in many ways. He will not only be remembered by his family but also by all the children with the same dreams as him.
It's really insane the number of sentences that struck me in this book, but there's one in particular that I really want you to read:"No matter when your purpose is discovered, it will take hard work, dedication, sacrifice, commitment, and effort to fulfill it and live it out in a consequential manner. There is no singular road to realizing one’s purpose. You must believe in yourself,
push beyond fears, and conquer obstacles. You will be compelled to scale walls outside the boundaries of your comfort level. Your curiosity will be provoked and self-doubts challenged in order to understand your why"
June 19, 2024
Thank you to Booktasters for sending an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was utter brilliance. Stephen Panus’s choice to relive the time around his son’s death in order to continue his legacy cannot have been an easy one, however the way he has articulated this experience throughout was so emotionally powerful.
‘Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.’
^ this quotation in particular sticks with me now. Panus writes with power and an undeniable passion for helping people who have suffered grief in their life. It was a phenomenal book.
This book was utter brilliance. Stephen Panus’s choice to relive the time around his son’s death in order to continue his legacy cannot have been an easy one, however the way he has articulated this experience throughout was so emotionally powerful.
‘Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you will feel and do about what happens to you.’
^ this quotation in particular sticks with me now. Panus writes with power and an undeniable passion for helping people who have suffered grief in their life. It was a phenomenal book.
July 11, 2024
This book is a profoundly moving memoir that delves into the depths of grief and the journey towards healing in the wake of profound loss.
At its core, the narrative is a testament to resilience and the human spirit's capacity to endure amidst adversity. Panus navigates the complexities of grief with raw honesty, vividly portraying the shattered pieces of his identity and the arduous path towards finding renewed purpose. His reflections on the nonlinear nature of grief—"Grief is far from a linear pathway and instead lays itself out like an unwelcome maze of intertwined, arduous hiking routes leading steeply up a jagged rockface"—capture the emotional turbulence and the gradual journey towards acceptance.
What sets "Walk On" apart is Panus's ability to intertwine personal reflection with universal themes of loss and healing. Through heartfelt prose and introspective storytelling, he illuminates the transformative power of community and relationships. The interactions with family, friends, and neighbors not only support him through his darkest moments but also highlight the resilience and strength that emerge from shared experiences.
Panus's narrative is both raw and tender, inviting readers to join him on a profound exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning. Each chapter unfolds with a blend of vulnerability and hope, demonstrating how adversity can foster personal growth and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others.
"Walk On" is ultimately a testament to the enduring power of love and community in navigating life's most challenging moments. Stephen Panus's memoir is a courageous and compelling testament that offers solace and inspiration, reminding us of our collective capacity to find healing and renewal in the face of profound loss.
At its core, the narrative is a testament to resilience and the human spirit's capacity to endure amidst adversity. Panus navigates the complexities of grief with raw honesty, vividly portraying the shattered pieces of his identity and the arduous path towards finding renewed purpose. His reflections on the nonlinear nature of grief—"Grief is far from a linear pathway and instead lays itself out like an unwelcome maze of intertwined, arduous hiking routes leading steeply up a jagged rockface"—capture the emotional turbulence and the gradual journey towards acceptance.
What sets "Walk On" apart is Panus's ability to intertwine personal reflection with universal themes of loss and healing. Through heartfelt prose and introspective storytelling, he illuminates the transformative power of community and relationships. The interactions with family, friends, and neighbors not only support him through his darkest moments but also highlight the resilience and strength that emerge from shared experiences.
Panus's narrative is both raw and tender, inviting readers to join him on a profound exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning. Each chapter unfolds with a blend of vulnerability and hope, demonstrating how adversity can foster personal growth and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others.
"Walk On" is ultimately a testament to the enduring power of love and community in navigating life's most challenging moments. Stephen Panus's memoir is a courageous and compelling testament that offers solace and inspiration, reminding us of our collective capacity to find healing and renewal in the face of profound loss.
May 24, 2025
Walk On is a heartfelt tribute to perseverance, legacy, and the power of moving forward in the face of personal loss. Stephen Panus shares deeply personal reflections and life lessons shaped by grief, family, and resilience. While the book may resonate most with readers seeking inspiration through personal narrative, its message of hope and forward momentum is clear throughout.
March 27, 2024
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.
Jake Panus, 16-year-old son of the author, Stephen Panus, was killed in a car crash. Jake was a passenger in a car driven by a girlfriend, who had been drinking.
𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐎𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.
His purpose, as per Mr. Panus, "The exercise of chronicling my grief after losing Jake and embarking on a migration from pain to purpose has been grueling but necessary."
In Mr. Panus's words, Jake is not the only person who will "walk on" - detailing his grief after losing his son will permit Mr. Panus to continue his life, to "walk on" beyond his misery.
The author, Mr. Panus shares his agony effectively, beginning with Jake's last words to him - "You guys are acting like you will never see me again."
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:
Jake was an immense, magnetic personality who lived his life lifting others.
He was a rising star with a gravitational pull stronger than Jupiter and was adored by and attracted a circle of friends.
Grief is far from a linear pathway and instead lays itself out like an unwelcome maze of intertwined, arduous hiking routes leading steeply up a jagged rockface.
Grief is an unwelcome topic in our society because it carries a stigma like none other. It’s not just that it feels like a foreign emotion, but it also scares the living shit out of people. Few can be comfortably close to death or grief.
Losing a child tops a parent’s worst nightmare list, so it only makes sense that parents do not want to get too close to it.
There is no shame in grief or opening your heart to the painful emotions provoked by it. Here’s the truth: our vulnerability is our strength.
Motion with Meaning Leads. to Living with Purpose
“The purpose of life is . . . to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson.
No matter when your purpose is discovered, it will take hard work, dedication, sacrifice, commitment, and effort to fulfill it and live it out in a consequential manner. There is no singular road to realizing one’s purpose. You must believe in yourself, push beyond fears, and conquer obstacles. You will be compelled to scale walls outside the boundaries of your comfort level. Your curiosity will be provoked, and your self-doubts will challenge you to understand your why.
No matter your circumstances in life, pursue what you’re good at and fine-tune it through commitment and repetition. Your practice of your talent will become your passion. Through it all, find joy from your why.
Start small. Your perspective will undoubtedly shift as you maneuver through the adventure of your life and identify your why.
Make the most of opportunities to make an impactful difference in someone else’s life. When you discover your fulfillment, your meaning and purpose will be revealed.
Be Relentless with Your Effort as Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude.
“No one has ever drowned in sweat.” ~Lou Holtz.
Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you feel and do about what happens to you.
~ Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Whether you’re ready or not, you will be confronted in life with disappointments, obstacles, or worse, life-changing adversity that will knock the crap out of you. You will be challenged mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. The secret to enduring and defeating adversity and disappointment lies within you and, importantly, is solely within your control. It’s your attitude.
Your outlook is one of your most valuable attributes. The ability to have an optimistic frame of mind, even in the face of negativity and struggle, cannot be overstated.
“The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately.” Trust me, hustle
separates winners from losers and gets you noticed and, often, rewarded. It’s been said that hard work breeds luck. Likewise, I believe that hustle breeds hope.
In the face of adversity, you will need to unearth every ounce of your resilience. In doing so, you will experience the deepest depths of who you are. You will bring to light your capacity to overcome suffering and, along the way, be challenged to source a level of resolve and effort you didn’t even know existed within you.
The Roman writer, Marcus Annaeus Seneca wisely wrote, “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”
We don’t need more random acts of kindness but rather daily intentional acts of kindness.
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” ~Oscar Wilde.
Being authentic means revealing your true self to others. It takes guts and courage to fully and unabashedly embrace your authenticity, and, in turn, risk not fitting in or being labeled as offbeat or different. Or worse, being rejected or shamed for standing out or speaking out. Being authentic is a primary and vital character pillar, so never trade your authenticity for anyone’s approval. Most importantly, your vulnerability will reveal your courage and substance. People are drawn to genuine people, especially those who lead with their hearts and minds.
People with integrity tend to be trustworthy, reliable, admirable, and confident. The best leaders possess integrity, which, in turn, allows them to inspire others to follow and trust them.
Your integrity will be tested again and again in the ordinary course of daily life, and your choices, words, and actions will honestly reveal your ethics.
TAKING OWNERSHIP OF your words, behaviors, and actions is a fundamental building block that paves the road toward advancement and prosperity. When you assume ownership in your life, you are liberated from engaging in blame and shame and will look to problem-solve rather than attack others when things don’t go as planned.
Accountability is an indispensable trait that makes you reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. It’s a defining characteristic of true leadership.
To be accountable to others, it is incumbent that you first master being self-accountable.
Your grit may determine whether your life journey defines or defeats you. It’s your inner fortitude and mental perseverance to stand up to the winds of agony. You can prevail under trying circumstances, to see the light amid the darkness. It is the password that opens the door leading you away from the abyss. Grit isn’t bestowed upon anyone. It must be earned.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” advised psychologist and author Angela Duckworth.
Grace, on the other hand, is the emotional intelligence bestowed upon you by God. Or, as Pope Francis described it, “It is the amount of light in your soul.” That light resides in all of us and must be internally kindled to shine and be realized. You can exhibit kindness, compassion, empathy, and love toward yourself and others, even when it’s seemingly complicated and arduous.
ONE OF THE vital differences between success and failure is related to one’s attention to detail.
What you manifest in life’s big moments is manufactured through the small ones. The little things provide hope when the big thing feels distant and, perhaps, unachievable. They can also lift you when you’re sorrowful and inspire you when you feel empty.
“Pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real.”
~Thomas Merton.
Honesty transcends lying or deceit. It is your moral compass, guiding you to think truthfully, speak honestly, and live with sincerity. If you are unable to say what you mean and do as you say, then most of your relationships will topple like a house of cards.
Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.”
I dare you: make a memorable difference in the life of another.
YOU ARE INFLUENCED by your perspective, which is constrained by your experiences.
Laugh with others and laugh at yourself. You may notice that laughter is contagious and a communal coping mechanism. It has the potential to conjoin friends with strangers and, equally, the power to diffuse tension and create intimacy. Laugh daily. Laugh often. Laugh loudly.
Be Hungry for the Experience in Your Journey.
“Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.”
~John W. Gardner
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes,” wrote Oscar Wilde. Making mistakes is both a part of your life and a stepping stone toward building, conquering doubt, and achieving dreams. Self-doubt often exists until you try something yourself. You can spectate all you want, but until you jump into the arena of life and fully participate in a hands-on experience, you will never know how that experience makes you feel, what it can provide you, or understand the nuances involved. Be open to tasting the adventure of life, which undoubtedly comes with spiced peaks and sweet valleys.
You must seize the adventures offered to you in life. It is the most profound and meaningful way to evolve and grow. Philosopher Albert Camus intelligently offered, “You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” Are you actively living or passively observing? Take advantage of the diversity of people and experiences that will cross your path and arrive at your feet.
By doing so, you will avail yourself of new understandings and keen insights. Your journey will be more enriched by absorbing the cruelty of life and continuing in a way you are more receptive to the greater good of humanity.
“You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars.”
~Henry Ford.
You should surround yourself with people who inspire you with their drive and enthusiasm, allowing their energy to spill onto you.
“A real friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” ~Walter Winchell.
Friendships can be lifelong endeavors—bonds supported by admiration, intimacy, respect, and trust. They may further aid you in your discovery of purpose and meaning, serving as a sounding board to your thoughts and ideas and a mirror to your actions. “There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul,” advised Baltasar Gracian. Other friendships may serve a time, place, or station in your life, which is normal.
“𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫.” ~𝐄𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦.
A great book by the author, Mr Stephen Panus.
Jake Panus, 16-year-old son of the author, Stephen Panus, was killed in a car crash. Jake was a passenger in a car driven by a girlfriend, who had been drinking.
𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐎𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.
His purpose, as per Mr. Panus, "The exercise of chronicling my grief after losing Jake and embarking on a migration from pain to purpose has been grueling but necessary."
In Mr. Panus's words, Jake is not the only person who will "walk on" - detailing his grief after losing his son will permit Mr. Panus to continue his life, to "walk on" beyond his misery.
The author, Mr. Panus shares his agony effectively, beginning with Jake's last words to him - "You guys are acting like you will never see me again."
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:
Jake was an immense, magnetic personality who lived his life lifting others.
He was a rising star with a gravitational pull stronger than Jupiter and was adored by and attracted a circle of friends.
Grief is far from a linear pathway and instead lays itself out like an unwelcome maze of intertwined, arduous hiking routes leading steeply up a jagged rockface.
Grief is an unwelcome topic in our society because it carries a stigma like none other. It’s not just that it feels like a foreign emotion, but it also scares the living shit out of people. Few can be comfortably close to death or grief.
Losing a child tops a parent’s worst nightmare list, so it only makes sense that parents do not want to get too close to it.
There is no shame in grief or opening your heart to the painful emotions provoked by it. Here’s the truth: our vulnerability is our strength.
Motion with Meaning Leads. to Living with Purpose
“The purpose of life is . . . to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson.
No matter when your purpose is discovered, it will take hard work, dedication, sacrifice, commitment, and effort to fulfill it and live it out in a consequential manner. There is no singular road to realizing one’s purpose. You must believe in yourself, push beyond fears, and conquer obstacles. You will be compelled to scale walls outside the boundaries of your comfort level. Your curiosity will be provoked, and your self-doubts will challenge you to understand your why.
No matter your circumstances in life, pursue what you’re good at and fine-tune it through commitment and repetition. Your practice of your talent will become your passion. Through it all, find joy from your why.
Start small. Your perspective will undoubtedly shift as you maneuver through the adventure of your life and identify your why.
Make the most of opportunities to make an impactful difference in someone else’s life. When you discover your fulfillment, your meaning and purpose will be revealed.
Be Relentless with Your Effort as Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude.
“No one has ever drowned in sweat.” ~Lou Holtz.
Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you feel and do about what happens to you.
~ Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Whether you’re ready or not, you will be confronted in life with disappointments, obstacles, or worse, life-changing adversity that will knock the crap out of you. You will be challenged mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. The secret to enduring and defeating adversity and disappointment lies within you and, importantly, is solely within your control. It’s your attitude.
Your outlook is one of your most valuable attributes. The ability to have an optimistic frame of mind, even in the face of negativity and struggle, cannot be overstated.
“The dream is free. The hustle is sold separately.” Trust me, hustle
separates winners from losers and gets you noticed and, often, rewarded. It’s been said that hard work breeds luck. Likewise, I believe that hustle breeds hope.
In the face of adversity, you will need to unearth every ounce of your resilience. In doing so, you will experience the deepest depths of who you are. You will bring to light your capacity to overcome suffering and, along the way, be challenged to source a level of resolve and effort you didn’t even know existed within you.
The Roman writer, Marcus Annaeus Seneca wisely wrote, “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”
We don’t need more random acts of kindness but rather daily intentional acts of kindness.
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” ~Oscar Wilde.
Being authentic means revealing your true self to others. It takes guts and courage to fully and unabashedly embrace your authenticity, and, in turn, risk not fitting in or being labeled as offbeat or different. Or worse, being rejected or shamed for standing out or speaking out. Being authentic is a primary and vital character pillar, so never trade your authenticity for anyone’s approval. Most importantly, your vulnerability will reveal your courage and substance. People are drawn to genuine people, especially those who lead with their hearts and minds.
People with integrity tend to be trustworthy, reliable, admirable, and confident. The best leaders possess integrity, which, in turn, allows them to inspire others to follow and trust them.
Your integrity will be tested again and again in the ordinary course of daily life, and your choices, words, and actions will honestly reveal your ethics.
TAKING OWNERSHIP OF your words, behaviors, and actions is a fundamental building block that paves the road toward advancement and prosperity. When you assume ownership in your life, you are liberated from engaging in blame and shame and will look to problem-solve rather than attack others when things don’t go as planned.
Accountability is an indispensable trait that makes you reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. It’s a defining characteristic of true leadership.
To be accountable to others, it is incumbent that you first master being self-accountable.
Your grit may determine whether your life journey defines or defeats you. It’s your inner fortitude and mental perseverance to stand up to the winds of agony. You can prevail under trying circumstances, to see the light amid the darkness. It is the password that opens the door leading you away from the abyss. Grit isn’t bestowed upon anyone. It must be earned.
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” advised psychologist and author Angela Duckworth.
Grace, on the other hand, is the emotional intelligence bestowed upon you by God. Or, as Pope Francis described it, “It is the amount of light in your soul.” That light resides in all of us and must be internally kindled to shine and be realized. You can exhibit kindness, compassion, empathy, and love toward yourself and others, even when it’s seemingly complicated and arduous.
ONE OF THE vital differences between success and failure is related to one’s attention to detail.
What you manifest in life’s big moments is manufactured through the small ones. The little things provide hope when the big thing feels distant and, perhaps, unachievable. They can also lift you when you’re sorrowful and inspire you when you feel empty.
“Pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real.”
~Thomas Merton.
Honesty transcends lying or deceit. It is your moral compass, guiding you to think truthfully, speak honestly, and live with sincerity. If you are unable to say what you mean and do as you say, then most of your relationships will topple like a house of cards.
Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.”
I dare you: make a memorable difference in the life of another.
YOU ARE INFLUENCED by your perspective, which is constrained by your experiences.
Laugh with others and laugh at yourself. You may notice that laughter is contagious and a communal coping mechanism. It has the potential to conjoin friends with strangers and, equally, the power to diffuse tension and create intimacy. Laugh daily. Laugh often. Laugh loudly.
Be Hungry for the Experience in Your Journey.
“Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.”
~John W. Gardner
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes,” wrote Oscar Wilde. Making mistakes is both a part of your life and a stepping stone toward building, conquering doubt, and achieving dreams. Self-doubt often exists until you try something yourself. You can spectate all you want, but until you jump into the arena of life and fully participate in a hands-on experience, you will never know how that experience makes you feel, what it can provide you, or understand the nuances involved. Be open to tasting the adventure of life, which undoubtedly comes with spiced peaks and sweet valleys.
You must seize the adventures offered to you in life. It is the most profound and meaningful way to evolve and grow. Philosopher Albert Camus intelligently offered, “You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” Are you actively living or passively observing? Take advantage of the diversity of people and experiences that will cross your path and arrive at your feet.
By doing so, you will avail yourself of new understandings and keen insights. Your journey will be more enriched by absorbing the cruelty of life and continuing in a way you are more receptive to the greater good of humanity.
“You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars.”
~Henry Ford.
You should surround yourself with people who inspire you with their drive and enthusiasm, allowing their energy to spill onto you.
“A real friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” ~Walter Winchell.
Friendships can be lifelong endeavors—bonds supported by admiration, intimacy, respect, and trust. They may further aid you in your discovery of purpose and meaning, serving as a sounding board to your thoughts and ideas and a mirror to your actions. “There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul,” advised Baltasar Gracian. Other friendships may serve a time, place, or station in your life, which is normal.
“𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫.” ~𝐄𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦.
A great book by the author, Mr Stephen Panus.
July 17, 2024
“What happens when people open their hearts?”
“They get better.”
This is what this book is about. A heartbreaking loss put into words to restore your faith, find meaning, move forward to honour those we have lost.
A beautiful read indeed.
“They get better.”
This is what this book is about. A heartbreaking loss put into words to restore your faith, find meaning, move forward to honour those we have lost.
A beautiful read indeed.
July 16, 2024
I received a review copy of this book via BookTasters for which my thanks.
Walk On (2024) by Stephen Panus is a book about unbearable loss and grief and about coping with that grief but it is also far more, for it is also about learning from that grief, from the life lost and finding not just a way forward but a way to live, not just for those affected but for anyone who chooses to learn from and incorporate them into their own lives.
Author Stephen Panus was leading an ordinary happy life with his wife Kellie and two sons Jake and Liam when the most heartbreaking tragedy struck as Jake aged only 16 was killed in a road accident when spending the weekend away from home. The Panus family’s life is shattered and all the words of comfort seem hollow. In Walk On, he shares with readers how he and his family lived with and are living with this tragedy and how they, but him especially slowly begin to heal—not a healing that can make one whole again since that can never be, but one that can enable those left behind to ‘Walk On’ (the title is relevant in several other ways too).
From a point when coping with the most basic chores of everyday living felt pointless and couldn’t be done, they start to live life again and takes steps to keep Jake alive through causes close to his heart by providing scholarships to students at South Carolina where Jake had wished to study and at the Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge where Jake had volunteered as part of their Church Mission and wished to do more.
But in this process of healing, Jake’s life is honoured in another way too as the author reflects on Jake’s extraordinary life and character and draws from it lessons that everyone can learn from, be it simply having a smile on one’s face and making someone who’s nervous or scared comfortable in a gathering or learning to be happy at all times and finding the happiness within or even being fearless and bold in pursuing the things one wishes for.
Alongside these are also lessons he has derived or revisited from the quotes he used to often share with his sons, the wisdom acquired which tended to feel meaningless after tragedy stuck, but which does indeed have valuable lessons for carrying on—cultivating gratitude, finding and staying true to our authentic selves, never compromising on honesty, recognising and facing change and the significance of resolve and determination among them. These learnings and quotes are also peppered through the book.
A tragedy like that which struck the Panus family is one that one wishes would never happen to anyone—one perhaps can’t even imagine how devastating it is. Coping and simply getting back to some sense of normalcy may seem hard enough to do, but what is admirable about the author is how he was able to honour the life lost not only through the scholarships benefitting numerous students but from the broader lessons drawn which can serve as an inspiration to countless others who read the book. These may all be simple lessons in a sense but are nonetheless valuable ones which can make every life that incorporates them that little bit better lived. The author’s own efforts and journey are as encouraging and inspirational. An emotional and heartrending but also enriching read.
Walk On (2024) by Stephen Panus is a book about unbearable loss and grief and about coping with that grief but it is also far more, for it is also about learning from that grief, from the life lost and finding not just a way forward but a way to live, not just for those affected but for anyone who chooses to learn from and incorporate them into their own lives.
Author Stephen Panus was leading an ordinary happy life with his wife Kellie and two sons Jake and Liam when the most heartbreaking tragedy struck as Jake aged only 16 was killed in a road accident when spending the weekend away from home. The Panus family’s life is shattered and all the words of comfort seem hollow. In Walk On, he shares with readers how he and his family lived with and are living with this tragedy and how they, but him especially slowly begin to heal—not a healing that can make one whole again since that can never be, but one that can enable those left behind to ‘Walk On’ (the title is relevant in several other ways too).
From a point when coping with the most basic chores of everyday living felt pointless and couldn’t be done, they start to live life again and takes steps to keep Jake alive through causes close to his heart by providing scholarships to students at South Carolina where Jake had wished to study and at the Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge where Jake had volunteered as part of their Church Mission and wished to do more.
But in this process of healing, Jake’s life is honoured in another way too as the author reflects on Jake’s extraordinary life and character and draws from it lessons that everyone can learn from, be it simply having a smile on one’s face and making someone who’s nervous or scared comfortable in a gathering or learning to be happy at all times and finding the happiness within or even being fearless and bold in pursuing the things one wishes for.
Alongside these are also lessons he has derived or revisited from the quotes he used to often share with his sons, the wisdom acquired which tended to feel meaningless after tragedy stuck, but which does indeed have valuable lessons for carrying on—cultivating gratitude, finding and staying true to our authentic selves, never compromising on honesty, recognising and facing change and the significance of resolve and determination among them. These learnings and quotes are also peppered through the book.
A tragedy like that which struck the Panus family is one that one wishes would never happen to anyone—one perhaps can’t even imagine how devastating it is. Coping and simply getting back to some sense of normalcy may seem hard enough to do, but what is admirable about the author is how he was able to honour the life lost not only through the scholarships benefitting numerous students but from the broader lessons drawn which can serve as an inspiration to countless others who read the book. These may all be simple lessons in a sense but are nonetheless valuable ones which can make every life that incorporates them that little bit better lived. The author’s own efforts and journey are as encouraging and inspirational. An emotional and heartrending but also enriching read.
October 25, 2025
"Ech act of kindness creates a ripple, and the echoes of kindness are endless."
All books have something to say, but Walk On felt more like reading Stephen Panus's feelings. Let me explain: there are calls you think shouldn't be made or taken. I'm not a mother, and yet I still felt the pain of losing the one person I am: a daughter. That call thet Stephen and his wife took, in wich they were announced the death of their son, managed to transport me to that moment. I could imagine the shock, confusion and pain they felt when they heard the news.
"I struggled to recall what life was like without grief."
And yet, i was surprised by all those inspiring but real lessons of how, even in grief, you can move forward. Through the story that Stephen tells us, we can get to know Jake, and I highlight his response when someone asks him how Jake died: "no let me tell you how he lived".
Which is the greatest lesson that I would undoubtedly say the book has, and that is that even after death there is life, because if your loved ones think of you, mention you, and your legacy was good, you will always live.
But I'm not lying, it wasn't entirely easy to read. It's a situation no one wants to be in. You wonder if you could really find that resilience. However, it's worth giving Jake's story a chance to continue spreading his legacy.
Thanks to Booktaster for the opportunity to read this incredible book.
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Reseña en español
"Ech act of kindness creates a ripple, and the echoes of kindness are endless."
Todos los libros tienen algo que contar, pero Walk on se sintió más bien como leer los sentimientos de Stephen Panus. Me explico, hay llamadas que uno piensa que no se deberían tomar o hacer, no soy madre y aún así pude sentir el dolor de perder a ese ser que si soy, hija.
Esa llamada que Stephen y su esposa tomaron, en las que se les anunció el fallecimiento de su hijo, logro transportarme a ese momento. Pude imaginarme el choque, la confusión y el dolor que sintieron cuando escucharon la noticia.
"I struggled to recall what life was like without grief."
Y sin embargo, me sorprendió todas esas inspiradoras pero reales lecciones de como aún en duelo, se puede salir adelante.
A través del relato que nos va exponiendo Stephen, se puede llegar a conocer a Jake, y resalto su respuesta a cuando alguien le pregunta como falleció Jake: "no let me tell you how he lived".
Que es la mayor lección que sin duda diria tiene el libro, y es que aún después de la muerte hay vida. Porque si tus seres queridos te piensan, mencionan, y tu legado fue de bien, siempre vivirás.
Pero no les miento, no fue del todo fácil leerlo, es una situación en la que nadie quiere estar, te preguntas si de verdad uno pudiera encontrar esa resilencia, sin embargo, vale la pena darle la oportunidad a la historia de Jake, para sí seguir esparciendo su legado.
Gracias a Booktaster por la oportunidad de leer este increíble libro.
All books have something to say, but Walk On felt more like reading Stephen Panus's feelings. Let me explain: there are calls you think shouldn't be made or taken. I'm not a mother, and yet I still felt the pain of losing the one person I am: a daughter. That call thet Stephen and his wife took, in wich they were announced the death of their son, managed to transport me to that moment. I could imagine the shock, confusion and pain they felt when they heard the news.
"I struggled to recall what life was like without grief."
And yet, i was surprised by all those inspiring but real lessons of how, even in grief, you can move forward. Through the story that Stephen tells us, we can get to know Jake, and I highlight his response when someone asks him how Jake died: "no let me tell you how he lived".
Which is the greatest lesson that I would undoubtedly say the book has, and that is that even after death there is life, because if your loved ones think of you, mention you, and your legacy was good, you will always live.
But I'm not lying, it wasn't entirely easy to read. It's a situation no one wants to be in. You wonder if you could really find that resilience. However, it's worth giving Jake's story a chance to continue spreading his legacy.
Thanks to Booktaster for the opportunity to read this incredible book.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reseña en español
"Ech act of kindness creates a ripple, and the echoes of kindness are endless."
Todos los libros tienen algo que contar, pero Walk on se sintió más bien como leer los sentimientos de Stephen Panus. Me explico, hay llamadas que uno piensa que no se deberían tomar o hacer, no soy madre y aún así pude sentir el dolor de perder a ese ser que si soy, hija.
Esa llamada que Stephen y su esposa tomaron, en las que se les anunció el fallecimiento de su hijo, logro transportarme a ese momento. Pude imaginarme el choque, la confusión y el dolor que sintieron cuando escucharon la noticia.
"I struggled to recall what life was like without grief."
Y sin embargo, me sorprendió todas esas inspiradoras pero reales lecciones de como aún en duelo, se puede salir adelante.
A través del relato que nos va exponiendo Stephen, se puede llegar a conocer a Jake, y resalto su respuesta a cuando alguien le pregunta como falleció Jake: "no let me tell you how he lived".
Que es la mayor lección que sin duda diria tiene el libro, y es que aún después de la muerte hay vida. Porque si tus seres queridos te piensan, mencionan, y tu legado fue de bien, siempre vivirás.
Pero no les miento, no fue del todo fácil leerlo, es una situación en la que nadie quiere estar, te preguntas si de verdad uno pudiera encontrar esa resilencia, sin embargo, vale la pena darle la oportunidad a la historia de Jake, para sí seguir esparciendo su legado.
Gracias a Booktaster por la oportunidad de leer este increíble libro.
May 18, 2024
This review was written through a connection with Booktasters!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once stated: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." In "Walk On," we truly get the full measure of Stephen Panus as a man, husband, and father; not that he needs an average Joe from Pittsburgh, PA to tell him that.
"Walk On" is a testament to the human spirit and endurance in the face of an unfathomable tragedy: the loss of one's child. However, in this case the power of Panus's writing lies within the following quote: "'How did your son die?'" To which Mr. Panus responds: "No. Let me tell you how he lived." In doing so, we get a small glimpse into the brief, yet magnetic life of Jake Panus, whose example we could all learn from.
At the core of the book (and, obviously, its title), lies the Native American concept of "walk on," meaning, regardless of what happens or how it takes place, we must all find the strength within us to continue on, to "walk on" in our lives. "Walking on" doesn't mean that we move on and forget. Rather, we move on and move forward knowing that our lives have changed and find ways to cope with that change. Personally, I was amazed at how Mr. Panus was able to embrace this concept and use tragedy to "pay it forward" in terms of his work with local high school lacrosse teams in Connecticut or through the establishment of scholarships for walk-on football players at the University of South Carolina.
I further found inspiration in "Walk On" that has helped me in my job as an administrator in an inner-city high school. Particularly, I've begun to try to live out the words, "Hustle breeds hope." My school certainly is not perfect and has its daily challenges, but I believe that my attitude and example create a place where kids feel valued and get something out of their time that they're under my supervision. Of further inspiration in the face of daily challenges has been the words: "I persevere. I am relentless. I keep going. I walk on." In handling my own insecurities and anxiety, I've drawn meaning from: "What's the worst that can happen if I push through the fear?"
In closing, while I live for college football in the fall and what immediately drew me in was Coach Shane Beamer's contribution to the book, I realized that my ultimate connection and love for this book stems from this singular quote: "Are you participating in each moment?" I have four kids, the oldest of which is soon to be a junior in high school. I don't always do a good job at being present when I'm around them. I need to do better and go join my kids in the living room while they sing karaoke (which they currently are doing while I finish writing this).
I read this book cover to cover and would gladly do it again. I know I'll find myself returning to it at some point in the very near future when up against a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
Get yourself a copy of this one. It needs to be on your shelf.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once stated: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." In "Walk On," we truly get the full measure of Stephen Panus as a man, husband, and father; not that he needs an average Joe from Pittsburgh, PA to tell him that.
"Walk On" is a testament to the human spirit and endurance in the face of an unfathomable tragedy: the loss of one's child. However, in this case the power of Panus's writing lies within the following quote: "'How did your son die?'" To which Mr. Panus responds: "No. Let me tell you how he lived." In doing so, we get a small glimpse into the brief, yet magnetic life of Jake Panus, whose example we could all learn from.
At the core of the book (and, obviously, its title), lies the Native American concept of "walk on," meaning, regardless of what happens or how it takes place, we must all find the strength within us to continue on, to "walk on" in our lives. "Walking on" doesn't mean that we move on and forget. Rather, we move on and move forward knowing that our lives have changed and find ways to cope with that change. Personally, I was amazed at how Mr. Panus was able to embrace this concept and use tragedy to "pay it forward" in terms of his work with local high school lacrosse teams in Connecticut or through the establishment of scholarships for walk-on football players at the University of South Carolina.
I further found inspiration in "Walk On" that has helped me in my job as an administrator in an inner-city high school. Particularly, I've begun to try to live out the words, "Hustle breeds hope." My school certainly is not perfect and has its daily challenges, but I believe that my attitude and example create a place where kids feel valued and get something out of their time that they're under my supervision. Of further inspiration in the face of daily challenges has been the words: "I persevere. I am relentless. I keep going. I walk on." In handling my own insecurities and anxiety, I've drawn meaning from: "What's the worst that can happen if I push through the fear?"
In closing, while I live for college football in the fall and what immediately drew me in was Coach Shane Beamer's contribution to the book, I realized that my ultimate connection and love for this book stems from this singular quote: "Are you participating in each moment?" I have four kids, the oldest of which is soon to be a junior in high school. I don't always do a good job at being present when I'm around them. I need to do better and go join my kids in the living room while they sing karaoke (which they currently are doing while I finish writing this).
I read this book cover to cover and would gladly do it again. I know I'll find myself returning to it at some point in the very near future when up against a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
Get yourself a copy of this one. It needs to be on your shelf.
April 7, 2024
Even in its brevity, 'Walk On' struck a chord with me, offering profound insights into the power of attentive listening and keen observation in navigating life's complexities. As someone who often finds solace in the pages of a book, this one demanded a slower, more deliberate pace—a testament to its thought-provoking nature.
At the heart of the narrative lies the author's journey of self-discovery, catalyzed by a serendipitous encounter with a medium. This resonated deeply with me, as it mirrored moments in my own life where unexpected encounters sparked profound introspection and growth. Through the author's experiences, I was reminded of the transformative potential of genuine communication in fostering meaningful connections.
Moreover, 'Walk On' delves into the tender terrain of grief, a topic that hits close to home. The author's nuanced exploration of loss and empathy left me reflecting on my own experiences of navigating difficult emotions and the profound impact of human connection during times of sorrow.
In addition, the book champions the virtues of mindful decision-making and humility—a message that resonates with me as I navigate the complexities of leadership in both my personal and professional life. The emphasis on learning from mistakes and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth struck a chord, serving as a gentle reminder to approach life with an open heart and mind.
Furthermore, 'Walk On' underscores the importance of honing our listening skills, a notion that feels particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world filled with distractions. As someone who values genuine connection and meaningful dialogue, the book inspired me to strive for deeper understanding and empathy in my interactions with others.
In essence, 'Walk On' is more than just a book—it's a companion on the journey towards self-discovery and purposeful living. While its philosophical musings invite contemplation, I found myself yearning for a wider array of real-life examples to enrich the narrative. Nevertheless, its overarching message lingers, reminding me of the enduring power of authenticity, empathy, and mindful presence in shaping a meaningful life.
At the heart of the narrative lies the author's journey of self-discovery, catalyzed by a serendipitous encounter with a medium. This resonated deeply with me, as it mirrored moments in my own life where unexpected encounters sparked profound introspection and growth. Through the author's experiences, I was reminded of the transformative potential of genuine communication in fostering meaningful connections.
Moreover, 'Walk On' delves into the tender terrain of grief, a topic that hits close to home. The author's nuanced exploration of loss and empathy left me reflecting on my own experiences of navigating difficult emotions and the profound impact of human connection during times of sorrow.
In addition, the book champions the virtues of mindful decision-making and humility—a message that resonates with me as I navigate the complexities of leadership in both my personal and professional life. The emphasis on learning from mistakes and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth struck a chord, serving as a gentle reminder to approach life with an open heart and mind.
Furthermore, 'Walk On' underscores the importance of honing our listening skills, a notion that feels particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world filled with distractions. As someone who values genuine connection and meaningful dialogue, the book inspired me to strive for deeper understanding and empathy in my interactions with others.
In essence, 'Walk On' is more than just a book—it's a companion on the journey towards self-discovery and purposeful living. While its philosophical musings invite contemplation, I found myself yearning for a wider array of real-life examples to enrich the narrative. Nevertheless, its overarching message lingers, reminding me of the enduring power of authenticity, empathy, and mindful presence in shaping a meaningful life.
March 30, 2024
Walk On is a father’s journey through grief. Well as a tribute to his remarkable son, Jake, who died in a car accident at sixteen years old. The journey shares the anguish of Jake’s death, the inability to make sense of what happened, and the shock of losing a beloved son. Although wracked by grief that seemed to bury him, Steve was determined to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others so that his son’s determination to make a difference in the world could survive.
The book was written three years after Jake died and has all the rawness of grief. Steve spoke about his connection to a more spiritual world, his fears for his wife and son, the panic he felt when getting into a car, and the devastation of seeing a herse drive by. Throughout this vulnerable period, he tried to offer his insights to his readers. This included valuing each moment, our inability to control what happens in our lives, the importance of autonomy, integrity, and accountability, and the need to care for one another through painful (and healing) times.
This is a painful but beautiful book to read, and I wish it had been available many years ago, when my younger brother died in his teens. Knowing that we do have choices and an ability to respond, that counseling is beneficial, and that a connection to a deeper and more spiritual world is a natural part of grief would have been so helpful.
Although there’s no single way to grieve, this book highlights so many aspects of grief. “I shouldn’t be laughing, not at this time.” “I don’t know how to make any sense of what has happened.” And “the person I was has died.” Are all explored and unpacked for readers who feel the same way.
For readers who are going through trauma and grief, this is a warm and supportive read that offers a determined choice to create goodness in a world that feels so devastating. It’s as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. From further along the healing journey, I send Steve, Kellie, and Liam a hug.
The book was written three years after Jake died and has all the rawness of grief. Steve spoke about his connection to a more spiritual world, his fears for his wife and son, the panic he felt when getting into a car, and the devastation of seeing a herse drive by. Throughout this vulnerable period, he tried to offer his insights to his readers. This included valuing each moment, our inability to control what happens in our lives, the importance of autonomy, integrity, and accountability, and the need to care for one another through painful (and healing) times.
This is a painful but beautiful book to read, and I wish it had been available many years ago, when my younger brother died in his teens. Knowing that we do have choices and an ability to respond, that counseling is beneficial, and that a connection to a deeper and more spiritual world is a natural part of grief would have been so helpful.
Although there’s no single way to grieve, this book highlights so many aspects of grief. “I shouldn’t be laughing, not at this time.” “I don’t know how to make any sense of what has happened.” And “the person I was has died.” Are all explored and unpacked for readers who feel the same way.
For readers who are going through trauma and grief, this is a warm and supportive read that offers a determined choice to create goodness in a world that feels so devastating. It’s as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. From further along the healing journey, I send Steve, Kellie, and Liam a hug.
July 8, 2024
This book is probably the best nonfiction book I had read so far.
Just like the title of the book, this book tells us about the story of a father, Stephen Panus, who have to deal with life after the death of his son, Jake.
This book started with an Introduction of Jake, Stephen really taking its beautiful time to introduce us what Jake is like before getting into his journey with grief. This little peak Stephen gave us about Jake’s life before, talked with absolute fondness gave some sort of dimension to the book. It brings out the feelings. When I was reading this book, it doesn’t feel like I’m reading a book, a very long narration. I could feel the dimension, the empathy, the sadness, the emptiness, the pain of the father must be feeling after losing his wonderful son. I think this what keeps me seated throughout the entire book.
This book must’ve not been easy to write. Stephen Panus must’ve went through a lot when he was writing this book. There was too much emotions, too much memory to rewind and look back on. But nonetheless, I found this book very sweet. While Stephen recounts his experience navigating through grief, loss and sorrow, he kept talking about his beloved son fondly. He kept reminding us how he sweet and lovely his son was and how lost he became after his son wasn’t just there with him anymore. It’s sweet and heartbreaking at the same time.
Through the experience he shared in this book, he talked about the grief of losing a child, every parents’ nightmare. He shared that it is normal to grief on someone we love the most. However, he also shared that although he will have to carry the grief his whole life, it is his choice to walk out of the sorrow. He carried his grief in the most positive way : making a scholarship fund in name of Jake as a memorial of him.
Overall, this is a great great book and I do not regret every seconds I spent with this book.
Just like the title of the book, this book tells us about the story of a father, Stephen Panus, who have to deal with life after the death of his son, Jake.
This book started with an Introduction of Jake, Stephen really taking its beautiful time to introduce us what Jake is like before getting into his journey with grief. This little peak Stephen gave us about Jake’s life before, talked with absolute fondness gave some sort of dimension to the book. It brings out the feelings. When I was reading this book, it doesn’t feel like I’m reading a book, a very long narration. I could feel the dimension, the empathy, the sadness, the emptiness, the pain of the father must be feeling after losing his wonderful son. I think this what keeps me seated throughout the entire book.
This book must’ve not been easy to write. Stephen Panus must’ve went through a lot when he was writing this book. There was too much emotions, too much memory to rewind and look back on. But nonetheless, I found this book very sweet. While Stephen recounts his experience navigating through grief, loss and sorrow, he kept talking about his beloved son fondly. He kept reminding us how he sweet and lovely his son was and how lost he became after his son wasn’t just there with him anymore. It’s sweet and heartbreaking at the same time.
Through the experience he shared in this book, he talked about the grief of losing a child, every parents’ nightmare. He shared that it is normal to grief on someone we love the most. However, he also shared that although he will have to carry the grief his whole life, it is his choice to walk out of the sorrow. He carried his grief in the most positive way : making a scholarship fund in name of Jake as a memorial of him.
Overall, this is a great great book and I do not regret every seconds I spent with this book.
March 23, 2024
Jake Panus, 16-year-old son of Stephen Panus, is killed in a car crash. Jake was a passenger in a car driven by a girlfriend, who had been drinking. Walk On, the Native American phrase which contends that life does not end with death, is the title of the book created by the grieving father. His purpose? Per Mr. Panus, "The exercise of chronicling my grief after losing Jake and embarking on a migration from pain to purpose has been grueling but necessary." In Mr. Panus's words, Jake is not the only person who will "walk on" - detailing his grief after losing his son will permit Mr. Panus to continue his life, to "walk on" beyond his misery.
I've never read a more heartfelt book than this one. Mr. Panus shares his agony effectively, beginning with Jake's last words to him - "You guys are acting like you will never see me again." Principally, this book is a piece of advice on how to live life effectively, and it's the quotes throughout that make the book most memorable. The following are a sampling:
Time does not heal.
Humanity is about being more, not having more.
Twain - The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
What you feel and do in this life is up to you.
Be the reason someone smiles.
Melville - It is better to fail in originality than succeed in imitation.
You must stand for something in this life. But if you lack integrity, I'm not sure you can stand for anything.
Babe Ruth - It's hard to defeat someone who never gives up.
Oscar Wilde - The optimist sees the donut; the pessimist sees the hole.
John Gardner - Life is the act of drawing without an eraser.
Friends are those rare people who ask how we are, and then wait to hear an answer.
Thankfully, there are relatively few good books on grief, because it is such a difficult subject. Walk On is such a book.
I've never read a more heartfelt book than this one. Mr. Panus shares his agony effectively, beginning with Jake's last words to him - "You guys are acting like you will never see me again." Principally, this book is a piece of advice on how to live life effectively, and it's the quotes throughout that make the book most memorable. The following are a sampling:
Time does not heal.
Humanity is about being more, not having more.
Twain - The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
What you feel and do in this life is up to you.
Be the reason someone smiles.
Melville - It is better to fail in originality than succeed in imitation.
You must stand for something in this life. But if you lack integrity, I'm not sure you can stand for anything.
Babe Ruth - It's hard to defeat someone who never gives up.
Oscar Wilde - The optimist sees the donut; the pessimist sees the hole.
John Gardner - Life is the act of drawing without an eraser.
Friends are those rare people who ask how we are, and then wait to hear an answer.
Thankfully, there are relatively few good books on grief, because it is such a difficult subject. Walk On is such a book.
April 18, 2024
"Walk On" stands as a beacon of warmth and support for individuals navigating their own paths of healing. It serves as a testament to resilience and the power of choosing to create light amidst darkness. To Steve, Kellie, and Liam, who have bravely shared their story, heartfelt wishes of comfort and strength are extended from someone who understands the depth of their journey. It is a poignant narrative of a father's journey through grief, serving as a tribute to his son Jake, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of sixteen. Steve's account vividly conveys the profound anguish, confusion, and shock that accompanied the loss of his beloved son. Despite being overwhelmed by grief, Steve's determination to honor Jake's memory by positively impacting others shines through. Written three years after Jake's passing, the book authentically captures the rawness of Steve's emotions. He candidly shares his struggles, including his connection to spirituality, fears for his family, and the profound impact of everyday triggers like car rides and funeral processions. Throughout his vulnerable journey, Steve offers valuable insights to readers, emphasizing the importance of cherishing each moment, acknowledging the unpredictability of life, and fostering compassion and support during times of profound pain. This heartfelt narrative resonates deeply with readers grappling with their own experiences of loss and trauma. Steve's exploration of various facets of grief, from conflicting emotions to existential questioning, provides solace and understanding to those who may feel similarly adrift in their sorrow.
May 19, 2024
Few people can imagine a horror worse than losing a child, especially losing one abruptly, through accident, without any warning. When Stephen Panus got the awful news that his 16-year-old son, Jake, was gone his world was shattered. He didn’t know how to go on, nor even why to go on, but he knew he had to learn how to live both without Jake and with the bottomless grief of losing Jake. In Walk On, Panus shares what he learned as he struggled to come to terms with his new existence.
Panus writes with the heart of a motivational speaker, looking always forward and upward for inspiration on how to rebuild his broken life. He’s lost a son, yes, but he has a wife and another son as his inspiration to keep moving forward with life. Much as he would like to curl into a ball and let the blackness overtake him, he cannot. He seeks motivation in a variety of places, referencing how others have managed the dark times in their own lives. From sources as diverse as Oprah and Einstein the book is rich with useful and enlightening quotations, little gems from which to take sustenance for the soul.
The title, Walk On, comes from Native American culture. When a person dies, they don’t “die,” they “walk on,” their journey continues. Their energy extends into the next realm. By continuing to live, to function, to give to one’s community, one carries the spirit of the lost one onward. That’s the lesson Panus teaches in his book, and in his very life. Walk On is recommended reading for anyone who has suffered a major loss and wants help in managing the grief that results, but it’s also an inspirational volume for those who just want to face life a little more fully.
Panus writes with the heart of a motivational speaker, looking always forward and upward for inspiration on how to rebuild his broken life. He’s lost a son, yes, but he has a wife and another son as his inspiration to keep moving forward with life. Much as he would like to curl into a ball and let the blackness overtake him, he cannot. He seeks motivation in a variety of places, referencing how others have managed the dark times in their own lives. From sources as diverse as Oprah and Einstein the book is rich with useful and enlightening quotations, little gems from which to take sustenance for the soul.
The title, Walk On, comes from Native American culture. When a person dies, they don’t “die,” they “walk on,” their journey continues. Their energy extends into the next realm. By continuing to live, to function, to give to one’s community, one carries the spirit of the lost one onward. That’s the lesson Panus teaches in his book, and in his very life. Walk On is recommended reading for anyone who has suffered a major loss and wants help in managing the grief that results, but it’s also an inspirational volume for those who just want to face life a little more fully.
July 9, 2024
Walk On by Stephen Panus
In today's world, grief and adversity are pervasive, leaving many to suffer and lose hope. From the depths of darkness and profound loss emerges an intimate, candid, and very raw story of a father's quest for meaning following tragedy. "Walk On" serves as a resilience-centered guidebook for overcoming struggles, teaching that the path to a purposeful life filled with kindness, compassion, and service resides within each of us.
Stephen Panus offers real-world applications of essential values and traits for becoming the best version of ourselves even through pain and loss. While everyone faces suffering in some form, no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must Walk On.
"Walk On" is a father's profound journey through grief and pain, serving as a tribute to his remarkable son, Jake, who tragically died in a car accident at just sixteen years old. The book delves into the deep anguish of Jake’s death, the struggle to make sense of the tragedy, and the overwhelming shock of losing a beloved child.
This book made me cry. It was so heart-wrenching but at the same time so beautiful in detailing someone's grief. It makes you wonder, what would you do if you were put in that position? Any kind of loss is hurtful, but to lose a son? This is an unimaginable, inexplicable pain that can forever haunt a parent no matter how much time has passed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is strong enough to read about loss and to feel every ounce of pain that Stephen Panus has written and portrayed.
"Walk On" is not just a book about grief; it's about finding a way to live with it and to continue walking on.
In today's world, grief and adversity are pervasive, leaving many to suffer and lose hope. From the depths of darkness and profound loss emerges an intimate, candid, and very raw story of a father's quest for meaning following tragedy. "Walk On" serves as a resilience-centered guidebook for overcoming struggles, teaching that the path to a purposeful life filled with kindness, compassion, and service resides within each of us.
Stephen Panus offers real-world applications of essential values and traits for becoming the best version of ourselves even through pain and loss. While everyone faces suffering in some form, no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must Walk On.
"Walk On" is a father's profound journey through grief and pain, serving as a tribute to his remarkable son, Jake, who tragically died in a car accident at just sixteen years old. The book delves into the deep anguish of Jake’s death, the struggle to make sense of the tragedy, and the overwhelming shock of losing a beloved child.
This book made me cry. It was so heart-wrenching but at the same time so beautiful in detailing someone's grief. It makes you wonder, what would you do if you were put in that position? Any kind of loss is hurtful, but to lose a son? This is an unimaginable, inexplicable pain that can forever haunt a parent no matter how much time has passed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is strong enough to read about loss and to feel every ounce of pain that Stephen Panus has written and portrayed.
"Walk On" is not just a book about grief; it's about finding a way to live with it and to continue walking on.
May 6, 2024
Walk On is a touching story about a young man gone to soon and how his family, particularily his father, have reacted to and coped with this painful loss.
I liked reading the anecdotes about Jake and his family. They all come off as good and interesting people and, on a personal level, I'm heartbroken about what they had to go through. I was comforted to read about the good things that have continued to come their way and that they didn't forget to remain kind and grateful, in spite of where life took them. Jake's influence is also shown to carry on, which is equally inspiring.
I personally didn't like the way it was written, mainly due to cultural differences I couldn't relate to, due to presenting something deeply painful in a positive light (this was above my threshold) and also due to it being something between auto/biography and self-help. It included many platitudes and truisms that most adults may have already heard, whereas the deep topic, the perspective, the combination of beliefs, the confusing structure and the occasional swearwords make me reluctant to recommend it to teens. To wrap it up, most of my highlights from Walk On are quotes from other personalities rather than from the story itself.
I think that, with a few tweaks, this book could be serialized in a more teen-friendly form, because I wish more kids had role models like Jake.
I have received this book through the kindness of the author via Booktasters, in exchange for my honest opinion on it.
I liked reading the anecdotes about Jake and his family. They all come off as good and interesting people and, on a personal level, I'm heartbroken about what they had to go through. I was comforted to read about the good things that have continued to come their way and that they didn't forget to remain kind and grateful, in spite of where life took them. Jake's influence is also shown to carry on, which is equally inspiring.
I personally didn't like the way it was written, mainly due to cultural differences I couldn't relate to, due to presenting something deeply painful in a positive light (this was above my threshold) and also due to it being something between auto/biography and self-help. It included many platitudes and truisms that most adults may have already heard, whereas the deep topic, the perspective, the combination of beliefs, the confusing structure and the occasional swearwords make me reluctant to recommend it to teens. To wrap it up, most of my highlights from Walk On are quotes from other personalities rather than from the story itself.
I think that, with a few tweaks, this book could be serialized in a more teen-friendly form, because I wish more kids had role models like Jake.
I have received this book through the kindness of the author via Booktasters, in exchange for my honest opinion on it.
May 23, 2024
Thanks to the Booktasters for the free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
WALK ON is a heart-warming book written by a bereaved father about how his late son lived by being a beacon of light to others and not just how he died.
Stephen Panus doesn't only walks us through overcoming grief and embracing loss but he also highlight tips and famous quotes that can help inspire and motivate us into becoming the best version of ourselves and that no matter the adversities we face, we all must WALK ON.
"Don't take anything or anyone for granted. The things you may be taking for granted are what others yearn for"
This quote is an eye-opener because as humans, we tend to take people and things for granted instead of appreciating the Almighty for the giving us the gift of these things we consider to be trivial whereas there are people out there crying so desperately for what we already possess.
"Are you actively living or passively observing?"
This question made me pause to reflect and think about how I work towards achieving my goals irrespective of constant failures and obstacles. Do I give up easily and sit back and complain about everything while being a spectator to people's successes or do I become resilient and muster the drive to continue to strive until I attain my objective?
This book made me shed a few tears and it was relatable because I've also lost a loved one. I highly recommend this book for people recovering from a life-altering event and for people who want to live a purposeful life.
WALK ON is a heart-warming book written by a bereaved father about how his late son lived by being a beacon of light to others and not just how he died.
Stephen Panus doesn't only walks us through overcoming grief and embracing loss but he also highlight tips and famous quotes that can help inspire and motivate us into becoming the best version of ourselves and that no matter the adversities we face, we all must WALK ON.
"Don't take anything or anyone for granted. The things you may be taking for granted are what others yearn for"
This quote is an eye-opener because as humans, we tend to take people and things for granted instead of appreciating the Almighty for the giving us the gift of these things we consider to be trivial whereas there are people out there crying so desperately for what we already possess.
"Are you actively living or passively observing?"
This question made me pause to reflect and think about how I work towards achieving my goals irrespective of constant failures and obstacles. Do I give up easily and sit back and complain about everything while being a spectator to people's successes or do I become resilient and muster the drive to continue to strive until I attain my objective?
This book made me shed a few tears and it was relatable because I've also lost a loved one. I highly recommend this book for people recovering from a life-altering event and for people who want to live a purposeful life.
September 13, 2024
Stephen writes about his experience with grief following the very sudden and tragic loss of his Son, Jake. This book resonated with me in ways I could never imagine.Having suffered a
tragic loss of a child in my immediate family, I
found myself tearing up and relating to Stephen in ways I never thought possible.
To lose a child or adolescent before their time is something nobody should have to experience. Stephen writes beautifully about the difficult reality and obstacles you face after loss. Unless you've experienced such a loss, you'll never truly understand the heartbreak and utter devastation it brings. But this book gives you snippets into how truly life changing and brutal it is.
I will be recommending this book to anyone dealing with grief. I almost felt less alone after reading the
similarities between Stephen's loss and my own. To mourn а child is something I pray no family should have to go through. It’s been 3 years for my family & we are no closer to finding peace than the day it happened.
"There are no rules in grief. Your body undergoes a complete and utter disruption. You can't think, let alone contemplate, with any sense of logic or order. Forgiveness simply is not top of mind. Nobody ever claimed it's easy and effortless to forgive, most especially when consumed by grief and when you feel utterly victimized and violated by the universe.”
"Grief is an ever-present black cloud. It's there when I open my eyes in the morning and strong enough to awaken me in the middle of the night.”
tragic loss of a child in my immediate family, I
found myself tearing up and relating to Stephen in ways I never thought possible.
To lose a child or adolescent before their time is something nobody should have to experience. Stephen writes beautifully about the difficult reality and obstacles you face after loss. Unless you've experienced such a loss, you'll never truly understand the heartbreak and utter devastation it brings. But this book gives you snippets into how truly life changing and brutal it is.
I will be recommending this book to anyone dealing with grief. I almost felt less alone after reading the
similarities between Stephen's loss and my own. To mourn а child is something I pray no family should have to go through. It’s been 3 years for my family & we are no closer to finding peace than the day it happened.
"There are no rules in grief. Your body undergoes a complete and utter disruption. You can't think, let alone contemplate, with any sense of logic or order. Forgiveness simply is not top of mind. Nobody ever claimed it's easy and effortless to forgive, most especially when consumed by grief and when you feel utterly victimized and violated by the universe.”
"Grief is an ever-present black cloud. It's there when I open my eyes in the morning and strong enough to awaken me in the middle of the night.”
April 24, 2024
Firstly I want to thank BookTasters for the opportunity they gave me to read this book.
As someone who has suffered with grief and the loss of many family members, this book portrays not only the feelings the people who lose those people have but also everything that is not known. The feelings and actions we tend to have and do because of how we end up feeling.
This novel was beautiful to read because of the wonderful writing style and how it easy it is to read. The topics are not easy topics to talk about but the author explains it in a way that gives comfort I would even say. You don't only get sentences that make you think and reflect on what you read but the reader also gets a story that is beautiful to read. It also gives examples of real famous important people who suffered from hard personal issues and it explains how they never let those issues stop them which is encouraging.
I hardly ever like self-help books because I usually don't like how they are written but this book is one of the few exceptions I will make. I learned so much about life and about myself I want to thank the author for that because it was his implacable writing and the story he describes that helped me.
Again, I want to thank BookTasters for letting be read this book in exchange of this honest review nad I also want to thank the author for writing this wonderful novel that everyone who is having a rough time should definitely read because they will have a different approach on life and in their way of seeing life that will be very beneficial.
As someone who has suffered with grief and the loss of many family members, this book portrays not only the feelings the people who lose those people have but also everything that is not known. The feelings and actions we tend to have and do because of how we end up feeling.
This novel was beautiful to read because of the wonderful writing style and how it easy it is to read. The topics are not easy topics to talk about but the author explains it in a way that gives comfort I would even say. You don't only get sentences that make you think and reflect on what you read but the reader also gets a story that is beautiful to read. It also gives examples of real famous important people who suffered from hard personal issues and it explains how they never let those issues stop them which is encouraging.
I hardly ever like self-help books because I usually don't like how they are written but this book is one of the few exceptions I will make. I learned so much about life and about myself I want to thank the author for that because it was his implacable writing and the story he describes that helped me.
Again, I want to thank BookTasters for letting be read this book in exchange of this honest review nad I also want to thank the author for writing this wonderful novel that everyone who is having a rough time should definitely read because they will have a different approach on life and in their way of seeing life that will be very beneficial.
November 10, 2025
What a touching book! I almost cannot find the words to describe how emotional and poignant this book is! For a reader already familiar with loss and grief, this book is even more impactful.
What is loss? How does one experience it? How does the writer manage to live after his loss? The book address the unavoidable, key elements of loss and grief; the vulnerability, anguish and mourning. But it also explores where one may find the strength to endure, establish hope, rediscover meaning in life and re-embrace love.
The metaphorical language used is gripping and effectual and I have always liked this style of writing, e.g. planting “seeds of kindness” every day… I particularly enjoyed some of the more direct advice too, such as to trust one’s own intuition, to be self-accountable and that sometimes it’s ok to take the difficult path. Also that while grieving is hard and something you are not used to, you should remember that it is not permanent and rather it is how you react in order to heal that matters.
While Panus describes something so painful, which is even more so painful when you relate it to your own losses, you somehow end up a stronger person. I will re-read this in the future and I’m sure I will discover even more meaning behind these words. 5 stars.
What is loss? How does one experience it? How does the writer manage to live after his loss? The book address the unavoidable, key elements of loss and grief; the vulnerability, anguish and mourning. But it also explores where one may find the strength to endure, establish hope, rediscover meaning in life and re-embrace love.
The metaphorical language used is gripping and effectual and I have always liked this style of writing, e.g. planting “seeds of kindness” every day… I particularly enjoyed some of the more direct advice too, such as to trust one’s own intuition, to be self-accountable and that sometimes it’s ok to take the difficult path. Also that while grieving is hard and something you are not used to, you should remember that it is not permanent and rather it is how you react in order to heal that matters.
While Panus describes something so painful, which is even more so painful when you relate it to your own losses, you somehow end up a stronger person. I will re-read this in the future and I’m sure I will discover even more meaning behind these words. 5 stars.
July 1, 2024
I'm grateful Booktasters sent me this beautiful and raw memoir that hits you right in the feels. Panus's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, perfectly capturing the struggle to find meaning when life gets unbearably tough💪🏻💪🏻
This book is filled with powerful reflections like,
"I desperately searched for answers. It’s how our brains are wired. We need to understand. How and why this happened to us topped the list. Yet those answers will never be provided in this lifetime."
Another standout line is, "I began to identify with a heart of love and compassion as part of my coping process, allowing me to feel and relate to the deepest pain and suffering in others."
Losing a child is extremely painful but also embracing empathy and compassion can be a game-changer in our healing process.
This book opened my eyes to the depths of human resilience and the healing power of connecting with others. It's a must-read for anyone looking for comfort and strength in tough times🫶🏻🫂
This book is filled with powerful reflections like,
"I desperately searched for answers. It’s how our brains are wired. We need to understand. How and why this happened to us topped the list. Yet those answers will never be provided in this lifetime."
Another standout line is, "I began to identify with a heart of love and compassion as part of my coping process, allowing me to feel and relate to the deepest pain and suffering in others."
Losing a child is extremely painful but also embracing empathy and compassion can be a game-changer in our healing process.
This book opened my eyes to the depths of human resilience and the healing power of connecting with others. It's a must-read for anyone looking for comfort and strength in tough times🫶🏻🫂
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October 10, 2025Walk On is one of the most moving and beautifully written books I’ve ever read. Stephen Panus takes readers on an emotional journey through unimaginable loss and the long road toward hope, healing, and purpose. With raw honesty and poetic grace, he transforms grief into a universal message of love, resilience, and the power of legacy.
This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a guidebook for the human spirit. Through his reflections, Panus shows how even in the darkest valleys, meaning can still be found, and love can continue to illuminate the path forward. His son Jake’s story lives vibrantly in these pages, a reminder that kindness and courage ripple far beyond a single lifetime.
If you’ve ever faced heartbreak or sought inspiration to keep moving when life feels unbearable, this book will touch your soul. Walk On doesn’t just tell a story—it helps you live a little better, love a little deeper, and find strength in simply continuing to walk on.
This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a guidebook for the human spirit. Through his reflections, Panus shows how even in the darkest valleys, meaning can still be found, and love can continue to illuminate the path forward. His son Jake’s story lives vibrantly in these pages, a reminder that kindness and courage ripple far beyond a single lifetime.
If you’ve ever faced heartbreak or sought inspiration to keep moving when life feels unbearable, this book will touch your soul. Walk On doesn’t just tell a story—it helps you live a little better, love a little deeper, and find strength in simply continuing to walk on.
March 26, 2024
This book talks about an emotional journey of pain, healing and remembrance of a loved one through their actions. It is an inspiring, moving and well-written book. It is important to remember that life is precious and we must live every moment as if it could be the last. Stephen had to face the loss of his son and find the strength to stay strong for his family and for the son he lost. It is an example of resilience and unconditional love. I think this story can touch the hearts of many people and offer a message of hope and healing. I am really inspired by books that deal with issues like resilience, inner strength and the ability to overcome difficulties. I like to read stories about people facing adversity and finding the courage to heal and grow. This book seems to do just that, facing the pain of grief and showing the healing process. It is a touching and powerful work.
May 23, 2024
"Walk On" is a book that speaks straight to the heart. It's about something we all go through at one time or another: losing someone we love. Stephen Panus lost his son, Jake, in an accident at only 16 years old and since then, his life was forever changed.
In this book he walks us through different stages of grief and gives advice on how to cope with the pain, how to be a better version of yourself and how to turn the despair into hope.
He writes in a way that's easy to understand, yet it's full of deep feelings.
“Grief is an unwelcome topic in our society because it carries a stigma like none other. It’s not just that it feels like a foreign emotion, but it also scares the living shit out of people. Few can be comfortably close to death or grief…Yet grief is all around us.”
What makes this book special is how Panus includes quotes from other writers. These quotes give us comfort and help us see things in a new light. They're like little hugs on each page.
“Having gratitude won’t just turn your life around; it will guide you toward the meaningful and magical. It will connect you with humanity, fostering more joy for you and others, which is something the world sure needs.“
I recommend "Walk On" to anyone who's lost someone special. It's like a friend who understands what you're going through. And if you're trying to support a friend in grief, this book can show you how to be there for them.
October 16, 2025
Walk On is a guide to living our lives to the fullest.
Stephen is an example of a person with high emotional intelligence, which he has developed and applied practically.
Sometimes we don't have to go through something in order to gain experience - we can learn from the experience of others.
Stephen is a model to everyone, especially men _ boys alike. There is no shame in expressing one's heart.
He also outlines the process of a person grieving and at the same time, he gives us the values and virtues to develop in times of our grief.
Personally, I will continue to read this book as I connect more and more with the spirit of Jake.
Just like Liam, I will try to be more like his elder brother (who also is mine - as we share the same month of birthdays).
Jake was born two years earlier than me.
Stephen is an example of a person with high emotional intelligence, which he has developed and applied practically.
Sometimes we don't have to go through something in order to gain experience - we can learn from the experience of others.
Stephen is a model to everyone, especially men _ boys alike. There is no shame in expressing one's heart.
He also outlines the process of a person grieving and at the same time, he gives us the values and virtues to develop in times of our grief.
Personally, I will continue to read this book as I connect more and more with the spirit of Jake.
Just like Liam, I will try to be more like his elder brother (who also is mine - as we share the same month of birthdays).
Jake was born two years earlier than me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
"Life is inherently not fair. In fact, it’s far from even."
This book made my heart break into pieces. I don't have any experience with losing someone close to me but this book captured that emotion and made me FEEL that exact emotion. Big applause to the author for pouring his heart out in this masterpiece.
'Lastly, never forget that what you feel and do in this life is up to you. The rest is bullshit you have zero control over."
I loved this saying so much. I believe that this book has great potential to go far! Very inspiring! Very motivational! It's like a gentle push for us to step into reality but also having the positivity to live through the hardships that life will eventually throw at us.
This book made my heart break into pieces. I don't have any experience with losing someone close to me but this book captured that emotion and made me FEEL that exact emotion. Big applause to the author for pouring his heart out in this masterpiece.
'Lastly, never forget that what you feel and do in this life is up to you. The rest is bullshit you have zero control over."
I loved this saying so much. I believe that this book has great potential to go far! Very inspiring! Very motivational! It's like a gentle push for us to step into reality but also having the positivity to live through the hardships that life will eventually throw at us.
February 2, 2024
With grit and grace, Stephen shines a mirror on his grieving soul after the tragic loss of his teenage son and reflects it outward for others to benefit. From the depth of his darkest days to forgiveness, he shares his journey and a road map of advice for others to overcome grief and adversity, and for others that simply desire a more fulfilling life. His” walk on” experience is awe-inspiring; a penned eulogy of his shining star son, Jake, and a guidebook for finding fulfillment when life delivers a gut punch. Stephen’s memoir passes on the baton to others, a loving father that eloquently preserves his son’s legacy by sharing his story, and uplifting others.
March 30, 2024
This is a deeply personal story of loss and grief. I am not a parent, but I'm certain that for any parent, to lose your child seems impossible to fathom, and it's a loss that no parent should have to contemplate.
I think that reading a story like this, what you feel is compassion, and a respect and appreciation for the story being shared. I felt an appreciation simply for the fact that the author had taken the time to write this, to put their experiences into words.
This brought tears to my eyes, and it was quite an intense, difficult read, but I found it deeply moving, beautifully written, and certainly an eye-opener to read.
I think that reading a story like this, what you feel is compassion, and a respect and appreciation for the story being shared. I felt an appreciation simply for the fact that the author had taken the time to write this, to put their experiences into words.
This brought tears to my eyes, and it was quite an intense, difficult read, but I found it deeply moving, beautifully written, and certainly an eye-opener to read.
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