Nothing compares to Texas hospitality – The Gatesville Messenger

Sam Houston

This weekend is Memorial Day, and historically this holiday marks the start of the summer travel season. I recently learned that authorities are expecting this summer to be the busiest travel season ever, with record numbers of flights and tourists.

I'm sure there are many people who spend months planning their summer vacation. Time off from work is a precious commodity, and when families take their well-earned time off, they want to spend it wisely. Many people from across the country and the world have planned to travel to Texas this summer to see our “sights,” experience our culture, and discover what makes Texans tick. For those of us who live here, the influx of visitors can be both exciting and a little overwhelming.

Why do people want to travel to Texas? Undoubtedly there are those who want to visit our national treasures – like the Alamo. They want to experience Texas history firsthand and up close. People travel miles because visiting the Alamo is on their bucket list; something most Americans want to say they experienced; something parents want their children to experience.

Other visitors want to visit our Texas beaches and enjoy the Gulf waters. Still others want to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards or the San Antonio Riverwalk. Outdoor enthusiasts travel to Big Bend National Park or go fishing and skiing at one of our many reservoirs. Dallas and Houston offer shopping, the Kennedy Space Center, rodeos, community festivals, and food and drink. Most people in the world want to try all of these things at least once.

Just the thought that so many people want to “know” and “feel and see” Texas should fill us Texans with pride. We clearly have something they don't.

A portion of our citizens feel a certain disdain for visitors. They get picky because they see more traffic than usual on their roads or the line at their favorite restaurant might be a little longer. I'm told that some residents fear that visitors will like Texas so much that they want to move here and let us grow more than they'd like. Isn't that an interesting dilemma – citizens who fear that travelers will be so overwhelmed by the positive aspects of Texas that they want to move here? I don't know for sure, but I suspect that not many people in Lincoln, Nebraska, have such fears. I hope that all of us good-natured, friendly Texans will be open to our visitors and appreciate the value they bring to our economy and to the myth of Texas as a unique and special place.

I think my friend Jimmy Jack is a great example of what Texas hospitality is all about. Jimmy Jack never met a stranger. Just walking down the street with him is a lesson in human interaction. He can't walk past anyone without saying something pleasant, even if it's just a smile. It's like he wakes up with the sole purpose of making everyone he meets have a good day. Jimmy Jack is the epitome of a hospitable, friendly Texan.

My favorite Jimmy Jack story is about the time his family was getting ready to go to the movies. Everyone was getting out of the house and into the car when the phone rang. Jimmy Jack answered and spoke to the caller. His wife and children couldn't wait to get to the movies, tapping their feet on the floor and looking excitedly at the clock on the wall, wanting Jimmy Jack to finish the call so they could leave.

Finally, after maybe 10 minutes, his family could hear Jimmy Jack say loudly, “Nice to talk to you. I'll see you tomorrow night at 6. I look forward to it,” and then he hung up. With his whole brood staring at him, his wife finally inquired as to who the hell Jimmy Jack had been talking to. Without hesitation, Jimmy Jack replied, “It was a wrong number, but they're coming for dinner tomorrow at 6. Seems like nice people!”

I can't guarantee that the event described above happened, but I do know that Texas stories are another reason why people love Texas!

A warm welcome to all visitors! Take your time and come back soon!

Thought of the day: Traveling makes you humble. It makes you realize how little space you take up in the world.

Until next time…I will continue to ride out the storm!

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