Saturday, April 1, 2023
While my parents taught me to address my elders as "Mr., Mrs., and Miss", in my thoughts and heart, I think of Mrs. Yaw as "Rosie". My mom was part of her " 53 Club", the group of women who graduated together in 1953 and stayed close friends the rest of their lives, through blessings and burdens, through celebrations and sorrows, through all of the many ups and downs life brings us. Mom always called her "Rosie", and she is "Rosie" when I think of her.
I remember my brothers and I staying overnight when our baby sister was born. I also remember how Mrs. Yaw so gently explained to me that my parents were so worried because my baby sister had trouble breathing shortly after birth. I think she used "like having a peanut stuck in her throat" as a way of helping me understand. (My sister was able to overcome this rough start and came home a couple of days later.)
I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Yaw because she set such an example of a kind, compassionate, and loving Christian woman. I also know some of her personal struggles she had faced in her life and how strong she remained during those difficult times.
I know her "53 Club" will miss her dreadfully. Their group is getting smaller and smaller over the years, but I know they continue to stay close.
Mrs. Yaw, I am so blessed to have known you and for you to have touched not just my life, but the lives of my siblings, my mom and aunt (also in "53 Club"). May God bring comfort to your friends and family until that day we all shall see each other again.
Shelley Hartman Bell
