When I start to recall the many ladies whom I was blessed to have in my early life, I know it will take more than one column. Where should I start? The obvious would be one of the earliest. If the name Rosa Fields does not have a place in your heart, I introduce you to a lady whose life was devoted to caring for others. Before I even started to school, Mr. El Flanders (that I called Big Daddy) built a large brick home across from my home on Church Street. He was president of the Central Bank and highly respected by the community. He was in his later years and could not live on his own. That was never a problem. He had a caretaker who was a distant niece of his late wife, Mrs. Clara. Rosa Fields was a lovely, young woman who was dedicated to making life pleasant and comfortable for the remaining years of her Uncle El. She kept up the large home and yard, prepared his meals, drove his car, and gave him a fulfilling life. I raced over each afternoon when she drove him home from the bank in his big Buick. I waited patiently until they came out to spend the pleasant late afternoon on the big front porch. I loved to be with them, and I also enjoyed sharing a portion of the large naval orange that he ate at this time. After supper of his favorite foods, he was ready for bedtime at sundown. On most evenings, Rosa filled this time with another of my cherished memories. She sat on our front porch with my father and I to listen to the Atlanta Crackers baseball game on the radio. We were big Cracker fans and cheered loudly at every score and strike out. Throughout the game she went across the street to check on Uncle El who was fast asleep. This special time ended. With the death of my Big Daddy, I lost Rosa as well. She quickly moved into another home where her help was needed. I do not know anything further, but I am sure she continued to give her care and devotion to others in need. She was truly a role model for a young Shirley.
