Some of my first memories are from Beaumont, Texas, where I was born. I was lucky to spend many summers having quality time with my grandparents and great-grandmothers. I learned many lessons about life and love.

One of those lessons I remember fondly was from my grandfather. He took my family and me out to breakfast nearly every morning during our visits. He told me once, “Always tips breakfast waitresses double what you think you should. They wake up before you to serve you.”

We would always eat at the Rodeway Inn Restaurant on the Northeast corner of 11th Street and I-10, now the Travel Inn(2023). Polly was our waitress most days. She became a close family friend and spent many a holiday with my grandparents.

The Rodeway Inn Diner always served Gumbo on Fridays.