"ARE YOU READ FOR ME?"

"Are you ready for me?" This is the question today's speaker, Gayle Kaler, posed to Rotarians as she began her speech about Paducah's Steel Magnolias. Gayle remarked that this question is one that she hears often from her clients in her salon just before she begins working with them. One would imagine this is also a question that the subjects of today's speech asked society as they forged forward with their lives in times that were not accustomed to the actions and lifestyles of these ladies with nerves of steel.

Gayle shared with us encouraging stories of women who overcame hardships and difficult times to become women that today's women should look upon in admiration. Women like Ruby Wise who in 1952 acquired West Kentucky Mattress Company in a divorce settlement. Running a business is a difficult task for any person, but for a divorcee with three small children in the 1950's that task was especially difficult.

We were also introduced to Minnie Grace Johnston who found herself in a similar position when her husband passed away unexpectedly leaving behind Minnie, his two sons and his business: Johnston Brokerage. Minnie, numbed by grief, immersed herself in the ins and outs of the business. The business ran successfully until it closed in 1993.

Reverend Shirley Lynn a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School married the love of her life and fulfilled the role of a pastor's wife gracefully. She did not expect at the time that she would soon join the clergy. When her husband passed away at the young age of 36, Shirley returned to school while raising their two children. At age 48 she graduated from college and became the first female minister at Fountain Avenue Methodist Church.

Finally, we were introduced to three sisters who are modern day Steel Magnolias. Dr. Beverly Dillworth-Frye was the first African American girl to be on the Heath High School Cheerleading Squad. She was also Heath's first African-American Homecoming Queen. She is now a distinguished doctor having been recognized by her peers as the recipient of several awards. Her sister, Dr. Crystal Dillworth-Henderson, a young single mother challenged the University of Louisville medical school admissions board when they thought that being a mother would prevent her from being successful in their program. Not only was she successful, she has gone on to serve as Chief of Staff at a United States Air Force military hospital. Her commitment to excellence has led to awards for that hospital. Finally, there is little sister Gwendolyn Dillworth-Mennefee. Gwendolyn pursued her dream of attending culinary school and has successfully completed her college dream as well. These three young women are driven by a simple motto: "Setbacks are a simple test of strength."

These are just a few of the Steel Magnolias around us. Each is an example of the achievements that can come when we put forth hard work and exude inner strength to overcome adversity. Gayle explained, "These women were not born Steel Magnolias. Becoming a Steel Magnolia comes from testing; from looking at challenges and facing them with determination and hope."

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