Family

FOUNDER: Emma McBee, AKA Mama Mac

Author: Joy Martin

     Texas has two seasons - warm and hot! It was a blazing hot summer day in mid-July. I counted the railroad cars...56, 57, 58 . When would it end? I easily bored with counting the cars and backed my mom's old blue station wagon. I then turned down the gravel road to hopefully reach my destination quicker. I raced down the gravel, soon to be dirt road leaving a trail of dust in my path. As I traveled under the bridge I saw many children and families playing in the cool water of the Frio River. It had rained four inches up in the hill country and the river was flowing steadily. It was an unusual occurrence since only one mile up the road was the Dry Frio. Many of the people were bathing. A common occurrence to the "newcomers" who liked to celebrate running water. Oh how I would love to cool off in the fresh water! Especially since the AC in the car was not working and the dust was quickly settling on the dash as well as on me. But refreshed was not in my plans at the time.
     . Instead, I continued my journey hoping it was not in vain. I followed the road under the bridge and up the other side. The train was moving slower now. One more mile to go. My impatience was to my benefit this time. The train had indeed come to a stand still at the crossing. The rail guards were still down, the red lights still flashing and Mr. Niemeyer's old green truck was still there waiting for the crossroad to come open in order to get to the highway. Directly across from the crossing was the end of my detour. The Sunshine Cafe. I parked quickly and rushed in the backdoor. The screen door slammed shut as I walked into the back of the kitchen. There at the grill stood Mama. Mama was short for Mama Mac AKA Emma McBee. It was confusing to my friends when I called my mom, mother, my grandmother, mother Ruby and my great-grandmother, Mama. These were the names I had always heard them referred to as and I guess, well, they just stuck. She stood there with hamburger patties on the grill, French fries in the fryer and the suction fan blowing loud. As always a beautiful smile greeted me and a big, warm hug made me feel so special and important. A hello and how is your day came with it, but the expression and the embrace was what I always looked forward to.
      The cafe stood as a main landmark in a small town of approximately 600 people. It was an oasis to many traveling the long desolate miles of the Texas highway. It was a small building, yellow in color with a sun painted on the front, thus the Sunshine Cafe. Two doors at opposite sides entered into a small entrance way with a swinging door allowing customers to enter the dining room. A daily lunch special was our specialty. Fifteen tables that seated four to a table scattered the floor. Red and white checked curtains and tablecloths were the room's decor. Napkin holders, with napkins turned only one certain way, filled by me, salt and pepper shakers, with rice in the salt to absorb the moisture, and red squeeze ketchup bottles were the tables' centerpieces. There were farmers, ranchers, men from the train and even strangers that filled the small restaurant. Each was greeted with that same warm smile as she looked through the rectangular opening where orders were placed and lunch plates waited to be served. I was very proud that she was a part of me and I a part of her.
      For as simple as the joys in life are, these precious memories of my great-grandmother fill my heart with love and happiness. It is through her, I began to understand that the world can be fun no matter where you live or how much money you have. I thank her for contributing to creating such a terrific family. It was with her guidance that has allowed my grandmother to carry on the tradition of having a strong hand and heart to hold our family together when needed. I also give mama credit for helping my own mother become such a wonderful human being. She played a significant role as my mom was growing up. As mama did, my mother has always shown her children kindness and unconditional love. My Aunts- Carolyn, Sandy, Donna and even my sister, Debbie, are not without being touched by her memories and love. The Sunshine Cafe is a part of all of our memories, but it is Mama that is a part of our hearts. I hope this Mother's Day is special for each of you as it is for me.

     God Bless Each of the "Mother's" eyes that read these pages. I love you all. 

   Joy