The Gratitude Express

The Gratitude Express tells the story of Daniel, a young journalist traveling to see his ailing grandfather. With a notebook in hand and a heavy heart, he struggles to write a eulogy for the man who meant so much to him. But when a mysterious steam train--unlisted and seemingly from another era--arrives at the station, Daniel steps aboard and embarks on a surreal, transformative journey.

Guided by a stoic conductor and his unexpectedly insightful parrot, Daniel is taken to vivid moments from his past--scenes long forgotten, where his life was changed and he unknowingly changed the course of others' lives through small acts of courage and kindness.

Each stop reveals the power of gratitude: both the importance of expressing it and the impact that comes from receiving it. When the train finally delivers him to his destination, Daniel chooses to forgo the eulogy and share his appreciation with his grandfather face-to-face--just in time.

The book's final image, with the Gratitude Express steaming into the distance, leaves readers with the reminder that we are not self-made, and expressing gratitude to those who have influenced us along the way enriches their lives and ours as well.

Blending fable, nostalgia, and emotional truth, The Gratitude Express offers a gentle, powerful lesson: never wait to say the words that matter.

Walter Green's father died when he was a teenager, and it left an indelible impression on him that life is short, precious, and unpredictable. This profound loss magnified his profound appreciation to those who had impacted his life. It also led to his journey of expressing gratitude, which was captured in his first book, This Is the Moment!: How One Man's Yearlong Journey Captured the Power of Extraordinary Gratitude.

Walter was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Harrison Conference Services for twenty-five years, which became the leading executive conference center management company in the US. He had been active for years in the Young Presidents Organization and remains a member of the Chief Executives Organization.

Since selling his company, he has devoted himself to supporting various nonprofits, primarily in San Diego, California, with a focus on education and health for the underserved communities. Walter has also been very active mentoring young adults.

He has been an active supporter of Craig and Marc Kielburger, founders of Legacy+, formerly the Free the Children Organization. Walter and his wife were also pioneering supporters of Legacy College, which offers full scholarships and college-level education to hundreds of students in rural Kenya.

Walter lives with his wife, Lola, in San Diego, California.