My Last Years with Gramps by Paul Winkler

Learning the Meaning of Friendship, Trust, and Courage

My Last Years with Gramps Explores the Lasting Power of Mentorship, Resilience, and Becoming Who We Are

Traverse City, Michigan—Mission Point Press announces the release of My Last Years with Gramps: Learning the Meaning of Friendship, Trust, and Courage, a new memoir by Paul Winkler.

This thoughtful book follows Winkler from ages 15 to 20 as he reflects on the lessons he learned through the mentorship of his grandfather. During these formative years, Gramps helped him better understand himself and develop confidence. Through their relationship, Winkler learned the importance of setting goals, working well with others, and understanding his own strengths and weaknesses. He also discovered that failure, adversity, and uncertainty do not have to stand in the way of success; instead, they can become opportunities to learn, grow, and build resilience.

At the heart of My Last Years with Gramps is the steady influence of a grandfather who gave his grandson the space to learn from experience. Gramps taught him to trust himself, keep trying when outcomes were uncertain, and find his own way through challenges. As Winkler later reflects, the years from childhood through young adulthood were foundational, shaped by the mentorship and unconditional care he received.

Set primarily in the 1960s, Winkler traveled by bus several times a year from his home in Detroit, to stay at his grandparents’ farmstead near Duluth, Minnesota. There, everyday experiences became opportunities to learn about responsibility, problem-solving, hard work, and the security of a trusting, loving home. As he navigates school, friendships, family relationships, and the transition into adulthood, Winkler gradually develops a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and confidence in his ability to meet life’s challenges.

The memoir does not shy away from setbacks. Winkler writes candidly about academic struggles, self-doubt, and moments when his plans did not work out as expected. Yet those experiences become part of his growth. Faced with academic probation in college, for example, he draws upon lessons learned from Gramps—trusting his instincts, examining what had and had not worked, and learning to become his own guide.

Readers drawn to stories about family, mentorship, coming of age, and personal growth will find particular resonance in Winkler’s exploration of self-confidence and the profound influence others can have on the people we become. Ultimately, the memoir considers not only what one generation can give to the next, but how those lessons can be carried forward. Near the book’s conclusion, Winkler describes himself as the new “torchbearer,” entrusted with passing along the care, faith, and belief in one’s own strength that Gramps once gave him.

“The beginning foundation in life for ANY of us is our family and then the associated cultural environment in which that family evolves and operates.”

—Paul Winkler

Filled with vivid memories of life with Gramps, My Last Years with Gramps is a warm and vulnerable reflection on growing up, learning from failure, and discovering the confidence to move forward. Sprinkled with humor and goodwill, Winkler’s story celebrates the lasting influence of a grandfather whose lessons continued to shape his life long after their years together.

Praise for Paul's First Book

“I like Paul's style of writing—it's a slice of life that many people can relate to. His style is chatty, folksy, and warm hearted. His first book, Gramps, was totally relatable to me, a fellow Baby Boomer who also grew up in Detroit and visited the family farm. It's also about a boy trying to grow up and figure out who he is, with some comical scenes, and some tongue in cheek realizations about life in general. I look forward to reading his next book.”

—Sharon Roe

“With our fast-paced technology and constant to-dos, we've lost not only a connection to others but to ourselves as well. Gramps brings to life the value of human interaction, mentorship between generations and time spent in nature. Learning of our capabilities, growing our independence, observing oneself and reflecting on who we want to be … these are all timeless human experiences that the author shares through his personal point of view. As a man who highly values family and my children, this book really spoke to me, and I'd recommend it to others.” 

—Rick Dorony, general contractor, Coast to Coast Construction, LLC

The Author

Paul D. Winkler, PsyD, is a historian and doctor of clinical psychology, now retired after 40 years in practice, 20 years of which were in working with kids and families. He is also the father of five kids who were raised, along with his late wife, Carol, into people now making their own way in the world.

Paul was introduced to the opportunities to learn important

lessons about himself and about life via the interest and support of the mentors in his own life, his mother, Ruth, his maternal grandparents, and some select teachers and counselors in high school and beyond.

All these people took time with the author to believe in him and took the time needed to both illustrate and demonstrate through their actions with Paul, how what they were showing him could have value in life. They then supported Paul’s efforts to practice what his mentors were showing him.

Paul was also exposed to the unusual situation of having the life lessons that his mentors were exposing him to in two comparison environments—the urban world of the city, and the rural world of farm life. Did the lessons have value in both places? The author bids you to read the book and decide.

The Book

My Last Years with Gramps: Learning the Meaning of Friendship, Trust, and Courage

Paul D. Winkler, PsyD

204 pages, 6” x 9”, B/W

Family & Relationships/Self-Help/Autobiography/Psychology/Coming-of-Age

Hardcover: ISBN: 979-8-950817-01-4, $24.95

Softcover: ISBN: 979-8-950817-02-1, $18.95

Publication Date: 10/8/26

Mission Point Press

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon.com, and other online retailers. On its publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold.