My grandmother.
My grandmother, Beulah Sterling, passed away Sunday afternoon in her own home at the age of 96. She had a good, long and active life, always surrounded by lots of family and friends. When Grandpa retired early, he and Grandma spent the next couple of decades traveling all over the world, and making even more friends in every country they visited. Grandma always made sure to send me postcards from whatever far-flung destination they visited. When they visited Scotland in the late ’70s, they brought back for me a Loch Ness Monster souvenir book, which I’ve still got around. Yes, Mr. Skeptical-about-Stuff is still hanging onto an old booklet about Nessie.
She still lived in the same Oxnard house that was basically built for her and Grandpa back in the 1940s. She was even still driving herself around up until a couple of years ago, when hearing and eyesight issues made her give that up. Even up until just within the last few months, she was still up and around doing things and going places…her housekeeper Susan even drove her out to my new store shortly after it opened so she could check it out. Every time I saw her after that, she always made sure to mention how happy she was that I had my own store, and how glad she was she was able to see it. Even in the last few weeks of her life, bedridden and fading, she would smile as she told me how much she liked visiting my shop.
She was always kind and friendly and supportive, and always kept up on everything the family was doing. Visits with her would bring me the latest updates on the latest goings-on of relations, near and distant. Occasionally I would bring her some of the classic strip reprints to look at, such as the Fantagraphics Mickey Mouse volumes, and she would be amazed that such things existed. She’d say that she never imagined there’d be such nice books collecting together the strips she used to read in the old newspapers.
When I saw her last, just this past Saturday morning, even though she was unable to sit up or talk, she still gave me a big smile, letting me know that she knew I was there and that she was glad to see me.
One time, she told me that planned on being around ’til she was a hundred and ten, so we wouldn’t be rid of her anytime soon. Well, she didn’t quite make that goal, but you know, 96 ain’t too shabby, I think.
Goodbye, Grandma.
As you might imagine, this has put me a bit off current postings for the site. I’ll be back later in the week for business as usual, but in the meantime, spare a thought for your loved ones, either departed or still with us.
She sounds nice. Your post made me smile, that you have those things to remember.
Thank you for taking the time to share her with us for a few minutes. God bless you and your family during your grief and remembrance of her.
very sorry to hear that, mike. my own grandma passed a mere two years ago, and while yes, she rarely communicated in anything other than various levels of disapproval, she was my granma
Condolences, Mike. We’ll be here when you get back.
I’m so sorry, Mike. How wonderful that she could see your shop and read comics you brought her.
My condolences. She sounds like she was a special woman.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandma. It sounds like you had a great relationship with her. Thanks for sharing your story!
My condolences, Mike. She sounds like a wonderful person. I’m glad she got to enjoy your shop.
My condolences, Mike. She sounds like a neat lady, and someone who would have been fun to talk with.
That was a lovely tribute to a no-doubt very lovely lady. My sympathies to you and yours, Mr. Sterling. My own dad is staring down 90. I think I’ll give him a call tonight.
She sounds a lot like my dear departed Granny. Four little words “in her own home”. It’s such a comfort to them. My regards to you and yours.
Sincerest condolences, Mike.
Sounds like your Grandmother was a wonderful woman.
Condolences, Mike. And I am glad she got to see your store.
My condolences, Mike. She sounds like a wonderful woman.
I’m sorry for your loss, Mike.
A good, long and active life, surrounded by lots of family and friends is what we all strive for.
So sorry to hear about your loss Mike. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sorry to hear about her passing. My first thought was that she was born in a world that hadn’t seen a world war and lived to see six versions of the iPhone. That’s quite a life.
We’ll be right here waiting to read more funny book nonsense. Take care until then.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mike. Your grandma sounds so sweet and special. Thanks for sharing her lovely story with us. My thoughts to you and your family.
I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother’s passing. You were lucky to have one another. Glad you got to spend so much time with your grandmother and share so much with her.
My sincerest condolences Mike. I’m sorry to hear the end came so soon after what turned out to be your last conversation together but I’m glad to hear she was so supportive of your hobby and business. Don’t worry about taking too much time off, just get things sorted out and worry about coming back after it’s done. Till then, best wishes and be well.
My condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Sorry to hear it. It sounds like you had a great relationship.
Sorry for your loss, Mike. It sounds like she was a lovely woman.
My condolences, too, Mike.
That was a lovely tribute. It’s great that you two had such a long and strong relationship. I’m sorry for your loss.
It sounds like she had a long, wonderful life, well-lived and well-loved.
How many can truly say that?
Hail and farewell, “Grandma Sterling”.
Take all the time you need Mike.
My condolences, Mike, and thank you for sharing a little bit of your celebration of her life. She sounds like a great lady.