Wednesday, October 4, 2017
When I look back at the years I lived in Athens, PA, I always think of the Yeoman family and especially Patricia Yeomans. I have such fond memories of the daycare Mrs. Yeomans operated out of her basement. It was through her daycare that I got to know her son David, who I considered my best friend before moving from Athens in 1978. It's funny that I can't necessarily tell you what I did yesterday but yet I maintain such a vivid memory of this time in my life. In fact, I'm pretty confident that I could walk blindfolded through the Yeomans' house 40 years later. I'm grateful for these memories, whether it was playing games in their basement (I liked the Rock Em Sock Em Robot game), the art work we did, silly conversations a five year old would have, or going outside and playing with David in their backyard. To this day, when I see an episode of the Brady Bunch or Gilligan's Island, I remember watching it in the living room of the Yeomans' house. After moving to Elmira, I often missed the friends we left and the Yeomans in particular but in the pre-Facebook era, it was hard to stay in touch and life moved on. I'm happy I was able to reconnect with Mrs. Yeomans around 2000 when I knocked on her door (I was so happy that they still lived there) and stayed in touch since then via Christmas cards and occasional visits when I was in the area. I was very sad to learn about Mrs. Yeomans' passing today. Even though I live in California, I tried to find a last minute flight to get back to Athens for her service tomorrow . . . but nothing would get me there in time. In reflecting on Mrs. Yeomans right now, I realize how important a role we all play in the lives of children and how little actions, that as adults we probably don't think twice about, can have the power to leave such an indelible mark. In the end, it's the small things that seem to mean the most. God bless you Mrs. Yeomans and thank you for all you did for the kids you watched over. I will never forget.
