Author says to just call him grandpa
By Linda Ann Chomin
Staff Writer

When Jerry Pociask's son called to tell him he was going to be a grandfather, the Westland man was so overcome with emotion that he decided to write a children's book. Call Me Grandpa follows Pociask through a soul-searching conversation about the meaning of life.

In the book, Pociask talks one-on-one with a higher power after saying a prayer to grant his new grandchild a picture-perfect existence. The voice asks why Pociask asks for so much then proceeds to list the steps leading to a happy life. Over the years, Pociask, 53, has learned many lessons, from his experiences as a real estate broker to his recent venture as a new business owner. A divorce and travels around the world left trails of grief and joy as well.

Call Me Grandpa is a man's wish for his grandchild. Marsha Grill, a graphic artist for the Lansing State Journal, created sensitive watercolors to mirror the feelings found in his words.

"I've probably been working on this book my entire life," said Pociask. "We go through a lot in our lives. We turn around and we're 50 years old. I wanted a legacy for my grandchild."

Much of the wisdom Pociask draws on comes from being a life coach for Life Management LLC in Westland. Pociask helps people reach deep into their souls to ask what life is all about. He did just that when his son, Jason, called to say he and wife, Lindsay, were having his first grandchild Aug. 21.

"Casey is for real. The grandfather is a model," said Pociask.

"It's not really a child's book, but could be read to a child to impart some life lessons. The book gives a sense of self, a sense of purpose. We all make mistakes in life. I want people to understand it's okay.

"The first step to changing ourselves is forgiving ourselves. By not forgiving ourselves then we can't focus on now to make changes necessary for the future." Pociask made sure to expose his children to as much as he could while they were growing up. Besides Jason, he has two daughters -- Catherine and Jessica.

"I was close to my children," said Pociask. "My son was taken to theater as well as hunting and my daughters to theater and hunting. I plan to do the same with my grandchild. As a society we've lost sight of the value of grandparents. My grandparents were Polish immigrants. Lots of my values came from those teachings. One grandfather passed away early. The other spoke little English but I learned about hard work."

Throughout the years Pociask has concentrated on success. He earned degrees in business administration from Central Michigan University, and aviation from Northwestern Michigan College before holding corporate and nonprofit managerial positions. "This publishing experience has been a learning experience," said Pociask. "I self-published and had to research everything from how do you get a bar code to learning about copyright and deciding on a printer. Now I'm setting up a Web site."

Casey, his trusty St. Bernard, has been by Pociask's side every step of the way.

"I bought her as a puppy," said Pociask. "At the time I was going through a divorce. She became a very good friend. Casey taught me unconditional love."

Pociask is counting on that love to be there while writing future children's books. Pociask believes he has more wisdom inside him to share.

"I'd like to have an impact on someone's life," said Pociask. "If I can change one child's life with my book and never know it, I'm a successful man."

"Call Me Grandpa" is available at the Book Cellar in Plymouth, Providence Hospital in Southfield, Northville Candle and Gift, Renaissance Unity in Warren, and by calling (734) 451-8203, or by sending e-mail to jwpoc@aol.com.

Originally published June 18, 2006 in The Observer & Eccentric Newpapers