Grandpa Where You Are Planted with Rivers

“Can You Grandpa Someone? (Hint: Yes, You Can)” with Rivers

In this moving solo episode, Steve Harris—aka Rivers—shares a deeply personal story about being a “grandpa orphan,” how one Cubs fan grandfather-in-law changed everything, and why the verb to grandpa might be the most powerful gift we have.

Episode Highlights

The Grandpas He Never Knew

Both grandfathers passed away before Steve was born

Grew up craving what he saw other grandkids experience: presence, advice, affection

The One He Asked For

Met his wife’s grandfather, Don—a Cubs fan with a sharp wit

Asked him: “Will you be my grandpa?”

He said yes—and showed up with presence, interest, and love until the day he passed

 The Unexpected Mentor

Born with a cleft lip and misaligned teeth

His orthodontist, Dr. LeGrand Curtis, quietly became a surrogate grandfather

At 13, took Steve and his dad to lunch and said, “I’ve been thinking about you… I think you should study accounting, then go to law school.”

That moment changed the course of his life

Because someone out there is waiting to be grandpa’d. Maybe it’s your turn.

Takeaways

You don’t need DNA to grandpa

You need presence and permission

Small words = big legacy

A sentence at 13 shaped a future

Bloom where you're planted

There are “grandkids” all around you

Grandpa-ing is a verb

And it's a powerful, spiritual calling

You matter more than you know

 Quote to Remember: “I was a grandpa orphan… until I asked someone to be my grandpa. And he said yes.” — Rivers, The Grandpa Channel

 Who Should Listen

This one’s for: Grandpas without close relationships—yet. Mentors wondering if they’ve made an impact. Anyone who’s ever asked, do I really matter to them?

 Next Steps:

Reach out to someone who might need a grandpa right now

Share a story, a meal, or just say, “I’ve been thinking about you”

Because Grandpa isn’t just who you are.

It’s what you do.