WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“With ‘Walk On’, Stephen Panus shares with shocking detail a father’s palpable sorrow in the aftermath of the tragic loss of a son. You feel the weight of the journey towards peace in every word. The honesty in these pages offers simultaneously an injection of perspective for the simplicity of life’s truest joys, and a refuge for grief-stricken people that they are not alone.”
An inspirational and riveting read, “Walk On” is recommended reading for not just the bereaved, but also teachers, young adults, athletes, coaches, mentors, moms, dads, executives and anyone looking to overcome adversity, live a life filled with meaning and purpose, and become the best version of themselves. “Walk On” has been met with critical acclaim. Below are some reviews:
“Stephen Panus suffered through every parent’s most horrific nightmare. The loss of a child. I can’t imagine the pain associated with such a devastating loss and can only conclude, it’s not something you ever get over, but only hope to get beyond. Jake Panus will never be forgotten. And his legacy and the mark he left on the world will live on forever. This is a story of unimaginable hurt, but inspiration, courage, gratitude and the reminder to always be present and live in the moment. This is a must-read and an instant classic. ‘Walk On’ is a courageous and brilliant work.”
“Stephen Panus is an inspiration. “It’s impossible to understand the pain of losing a child. Stephen manages to bring you along with him as he beautifully shares his love for his son Jake and his ability to turn the deepest pain into smiles and tears of joy for others. Through his words in this mesmerizing and beautifully written book on finding a path through the devastation and unrelenting pain of losing a child, he transforms his ever-present sadness to make a true difference in the lives of young men and women in his son’s name. Jake Panus is watching with pride, as his legacy burns brighter through his father’s love.”
“As a university president I was all-too-frequently called on to share the grief of families and friends of a student who was lost to the world. While there is little that can soften the pain in the short term, this book offers promise and hope, like rays of sun, through the grieving. The promise and hope of Panus’ words are an inspiration. I hope that they might reach all who are facing the need to cope with personal tragedy.”
“Somehow from the depths of his own despair, Stephen Panus has provided an achingly beautiful guidebook for finding joy and hope.”
“This is a brave and beautifully written book about unbearable loss and a father’s never-ending battle to honor a son, comfort a family and make the world a better place.”
“Stephen Panus has done something incredible. He has written a book about a tragedy that will inspire and fill you with hope. Hug your loved ones, then read ‘WALK ON’ to remind you why you’re doing it. I’m so grateful I did.”
“Stephen Panus pulls us through the journey of every parent’s worst nightmare with visceral storytelling and inspirational lessons. Emotion and inspiration swell from the page. Parent or not, “Walk On” is a must read.”
“Anyone who has ever lost a child joins a club they never wanted a part of. Then they get a choice: to languish in the pain or find the best way to honor the child they’ll forever miss. Stephen chose the latter and has done so in an inspiring way. It’s the story of his path forward and a guide for others still
trying to find the light.”
“From unimaginable tragedy to unrelenting inspiration, Stephen Panus walks us through the journey no parent would ever want and then never allows us to wallow in it. The passing of his son Jake is not an anchor that brings us down, but a buoy that helps us float. Jake’s story will live on thanks to Stephen’s poignant telling. And maybe there is a playbook for any parent facing a similarly trying situation. ‘Walk On’ is incredible.”
“Stephen Panus’ experience should be a lesson for us all. Life may confront us with seemingly overwhelming obstacles and unimaginable grief, but in those times when we are seemingly at our weakest, our strength and faith is stronger than we could ever imagine. It’s how you emerge from tragedy that helps define you. And that’s what Stephen courageously demonstrates to all of us in ‘Walk On’.”
“This is a heartbreaking and powerfully raw testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the everlasting bond of a parent to their child. I cannot imagine a world without my child in it. Stephen gives us an unflinching glimpse at what that world looks like and shows us the incredible strength and perseverance it takes to ‘Walk On’.”
“Stephen Panus brings us closer to his story of devastating loss and heartbreak to create a guiding light toward hope and restoration. No matter the challenges you face in life, this book will help you reframe your mindset and bring you closer to the life you were meant to lead with great intent and purpose.”
“There is no question ‘Walk On’ will change lives. Stephen Panus’ vulnerability relating his experience as a parent who has suffered the most tragic loss is shocking and transformative. His storytelling about navigating a new normal you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy grabs you by the collar. I cried at the gut-wrenching personal descriptions and also am incredibly inspired by the lessons Stephen shares as tools and suggestions for all of us to make the most of the time we have and the people who matter most in our lives. His messages that began as Post-its to his children are observations and lessons I hope to pass onto my own kids”
“I don’t win many wagers, but the bet I’m making on this book - detailing how Stephen Panus and his family are coping with an unspeakable loss - being a success, is a guaranteed lock.”
“Walk On’ is a beautiful journey of resilience and depiction that even after our darkest moments, we can use those tragedies to provide hope and opportunity for the future.”
“Stephen Panus takes us on a very emotional and inspirational ride. ‘Walk On’ teaches us what true adversity is and how to fight on and live your best life after unimaginable loss. This book gives us an amazing perspective of what’s really important in life.”
“Writing with the emotional heartbeat of a parent who has suffered great loss and yet determined to share inspirational perseverance, Stephen Panus’ ‘Walk On’ is a story that grips your soul and forces you to feel deeply. The ability to turn the ultimate loss into a strong motivational impact reveals Stephen’s courage, faith and resolve. It is a brilliantly delivered lesson in love and hope. And Jake is proud.”
“What we call chicken-skin in Hawaii, is better known to most simply as goosebumps. Either way it’s the reaction one gets to a powerful, emotional stimulus. WALK ON delivers such a feeling from Stephen Panus’ first words...make that first picture he presents of the son he lost, and what he eventually gained from that loss. A beautifully written story about something so personally debilitating. Jake’s spirit lives in the words, in the pictures, and in the goodwill his death prompted.”
“After the tragic death of his son Jake, Stephen Panus has somehow used the tragedy to gift the world with life lessons that you need to stop and digest now. Do not walk off without ‘Walk On’ in your hand.”
“It’s all here: the body blow, the pain, the fury; the helplessness of watching your family in pain, the questions about God, the questions about your own life; the sense of meaninglessness and again and again, the pain. But an antidote is here too: the transformation of love into purpose. Panus writes with intensity and clarity about his son’s death and how with time his own grief eases and changes but his love stays fixed.”
“A heartbreaking story of an unbearable unexpected loss. Father, brother and mother finding faith and meaning in the uncertainty of life. We must enjoy and realize every moment is a gift from God. ”