Thoughts from the Publisher

Last week we learned of Sheldon Grossman’s passing. A world without him will mean one less person offering integrity, hope, humor and most of all, love.

I met Sheldon and his wife Shell 20 year ago when I began my career in newspaper advertising sales. They quickly became two of my favorite clients. Through the years our relationship deepened to one of friendship. Although Shell and I have always been loving to one another, my relationship with Sheldon was more like one would expect between an uncle and his niece. We spent time together in person at the car wash, and weekly, sometimes daily visits on the phone.
During the last few years, Sheldon had several long stays at Courtyard Care while recovering from an illness or in need of physical therapy. With the facility being located in Signal Hill, and just two-and-a-half blocks from my home, I often stopped to see him after leaving work for the evening. We’d get lost in conversation, and before long my dear husband Steve would call on my cell phone asking if I had any intention of coming home for dinner. After assuring him that I was “on my way,” Sheldon would need to tell me just one more story. Twenty minutes or so later I would pull into my driveway, Steve shaking his head and smiling, knowing full well that when I claimed to be “on my way,” he could bet his boots that he was in for about a half-hour wait.
Wondering how I could give tribute to a man who meant the world to me, I decided to write a poem for him. Sheldon, I will always love and miss you. This one’s for you:
“Ode to Sheldon”
By Neena Strichart, April 23, 2015
The car-wash man with the blue sparkling eyes
Sheldon’s wit and humor were of no big surprise
to those who knew him, and shared in his views,
he’d make them feel welcome and never confuse
his friends and/or colleagues always knew where they stood
he was thoughtful in deed and did what he could
to cherish those near him, his life partner, wife Shell
would never doubt Sheldon, as his love she could tell
was pure and by magic, their lives intertwined
that nothing could part them until it was time
for Sheldon to go and leave her sweet side
she’d remember his smile, of his wish she’d abide
to dwell on fond memories of a time not far passed
of their marriage God sanctioned, and their love ever last.