Pour hot water over oats and let stand while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Cream 1 cup brown, white sugar and shortening.
Add eggs and beat well.
Add oatmeal mixture and combine thoroughly.
Pour into greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes till well done.
Top immediately with frosting.
Frosting: Mix the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and boil 1 minute. Pour over hot cake. Sprinkle pecans and coconut flakes. Put cake under broiler brown slightly.