Mary B's Cafe

-It's a frigid Early morning but as you drive by you notice a warm glow from inside . The lights are barely on. But is the warmth inside from the heat of the old furnace and the grill going or the camaraderie of the few people inside ? Outside there is a heavy frost whisping around the welcoming front lights calling in all of the Early Birds starting a new day .
-As I analyze my day ahead and prepare the days food ,I see a pair of head lights pull in .
I know exactly which truck it is by the way they pull in and as I start his food while I enjoy the familiarity of knowing exactly , what he wants to eat and how he would like it prepared . I hurry and set out a steaming mug of coffee next to his place mat. He walks in and gives an early morning salute as I quickly finish up his food . You can tell he is slowly waking up to the low hum of the radio as he deeply inhales the aroma of the fresh coffee. After checking on his family or
the latest news going on , I notice the next set of head lights . Again I can pretty much know who it is and what they would like to eat . Of course my favorite is the one who has to have a few cups of coffee before they sleepily open their eyes and begin to join in the conversation with all of the others. They serve each other coffee as if they are sitting at their own dinning room table . I smile to myself because to most of them this is home. As I quickly prepare each persons food . I half listen to every one's story of how their evening went and who is doing what . Before my first two hours are complete , I have a full range of people around our table of knowledge from factory workers to carpenters , business men housewives and retirees. We are one big happy family ! If someone is missing , all of us worry until someone says they are on vacation or what ever the reason may be. I care for them like a mother hen cares for her chicks and there is not one of them that would not be there in a time of need as I would always be there for them. I've seen these fascinating people in the last five years go the extra distance and open their circle for many new faces . We always banter back and forth. And draw others in with our teasing and before you know it people who sat at an outer table the day before join us and we add another chair at the big Table of Knowledge ! We are more than happy to add to our group. A fresh face is just what the doctor ordered to add to our chatter. It always helps to have an extra person to solve the worlds problems.
-When this group leaves to start their day other's fill their spots . I love the variety of all the different walks of life . And when they walk in they are all equal . One by one all of my employees start to wonder in , I think to myself without them I would be nothing . They are the glue that holds us together! They are more than family they are best friends . After the normal good mornings everyone heads off in different directions taking great care of all of our customers and helping to bring the place alive. By now the lights are on full and the phone is ringing off the hook . The noise level has rose beyond belief and the radio is cranked up a little louder . The pace is faster with the clanking of dishes and someone yelling ( orders ready )! With the distinct homemade smells flowing from the kitchen that makes your tummy rumble and think of fond memories of sitting at your grandmothers table for a feast. The old fashion feelings continue and the greatness of being their second home is a feeling I have taken great care to induce. The best part is someone that wants biscuits and gravy and their spouse says no oatmeal and dry toast ! But we still know what they want , it just depends if she's with him or not !
-Lunch time brings in a whole new group . Some retirees return but most are people on their lunch break. We understand their need to hurry and we have a great time , with the breath of fresh air they bring in. Just like our morning group they are set in their ways but who do I have to blame on that , but myself I spoil each and everyone of them . How could you not ? They are great people. And they have come to see us .
-Saturday is family day not only with families coming in to eat but my family works with me. My children have learned so much working in the cafe' over the years. I am filled with pride over their work ethics. They have learned how to listen and be heard . How to deal with happy customers and upset ones also. Yes I am hard on them but as they slowly grow and move onto other jobs they have realized they are all great workers.
-At least once a week it is someones birthday and we have a candle in their food and a card
signed by the entire restaurant ready and waiting for them. We try to make sure , whether it may be an anniversary or illness that they know we care. We have lost some wonderful people along our voyage ,but they are forever in our stories and memories. We've cried together but more important we have had alot of laughs. We have all shared in each others lives and have learned and grew from each others experiences. I'm lucky to have such a generous crew and great customers. They are so much more, They are family !
-As the last day approaches I am over whelmed with grief. What will I ever do without this great group of people ? Then I look back at the memories , a Hawaiian luau when customers came in with hedge clippers for our grass skirts . Western day and everyone in they're giddy up gear. Holidays that no matter what the entire place was decked out be it Halloween and everyone in their costumes or our annual Christmas bake off that I always set one special person up to win. They are unique and special ! And forever in my heart and in my memories.
-The light show a warm glow on this crisp winter morning , steam is rising from my coffee cup. But is it the heat from my fire place or is it the warm glow from my heart because I realize I won at my restaurant adventure. I won a great family !

Changes

Hands with Smooth cool calluses and the heart of his big hand always warm to my little snuggley one. The smell of Old Spice and a slight waft of sweet pipe tabacco told of his presence.
Always wearing Levi's slung low on his narrow hips , he knew only two styles of blue jeans old & new. His denim shirt matched his brilliant blue eyes , while the hint of mischeif and a devilish glint matched his smile.
I remember gliding across the room standing on his worn work boots as if we were skating on ice. Surrendering to his mellow voice singing "Baby's got her Blue Jeans on or Blue Skies "
Always his baby his special one, I wasn't his only love , each unique in our bond of special love.
I knew him as a man of unlimited patience , as seen in his breath taking Gardens or his ease in teaching both young and old . He always had time from yoyo tricks to teaching you how to fish.
There was always a magical queitness that surrounded him.
I never heard him speak words of anger. The look of his eyes , that was all it ever took for the flood gates to open as you punished yourself. To respect him came naturally because he treated you as if you stood on a tall box looking at him eye to eye.
Later , he quietly walked me down the isle , not letting me go but allowing another man make me the Love of his life. Tears streamed down our cheaks , though I understood it was time to multiply my heart , to cherish my true love as well as the man that never showed me anything but unconditional love that only grows from years of caring and showing.
I remember him looking into the mirror of my first born child. His face turned red and his voice grew husky as he pulled out the familiar hanky from his left back jean pocket. Holding the child tenderly he rocked back and forth as he sang to him , while the newborn stared back in wonder. His love was there equally for all of his grandchildren and the third generation legacies he started.
Today his breath is a slow uneven struggle . He is weak and feeble. No smell from his pipe, only the unfamiliar sent of disinfectant. Someone has stolen his breath and my heart. His weak arms are given a wiggly bundle of pink over the cold bars of his hospital bed. Her eyes are the exact image of her great grandfathers . His eyes are fading fast as his life is , as hers are just beginning to brighten with life and new beginings .
There is no denying the end is near . I feel the bone cold breeze blowing around me. Not shivers just a flat cold rock on my heart. I hold his hand , mean while I finally realize the true circle of life. His small hand is in the warm heart of my hand . I see my future in his eyes. I feel the beating of his heart in mine. His love will last forever because he gave it to me .