Scratchy Kisses

When we first moved to Fairbanks (or when James brought me here, it could be said) we went to a restaurant called Soapy Smith’s downtown. Their Alaskan atmosphere and awesome Clam Chowder are the second and third on my list of reasons to go there…

We went in and ordered our lunch and of course, I saw Hot Chocolate on the menu and had to order it. I laughed as the tall waiter tore open a packet of swiss miss and prepared a cup for me. However, I missed the part where he loaded my cup up with Whipped Cream. (I hated whipped cream). When the waiter brought my glass, I thanked him and carefully scooped all of the whipped cream onto my saucer. The waiter returned to my table astonished that I didn’t like whipped cream. He took his finger, dipped it into the whipped cream on the saucer, smeared it on the tip of my nose and proceeded to suck the remainder off of his finger before taking the saucer and walking away with a bit of flair. I was speechless, so was James. But he was hilarious.

His name is Mr. Bill and he is the number one reason I return to Soapy Smith’s each time. Besides the hilarious service and fabulous food, he really cares about his customers. I look forward to tipping him so much he looks uncomfortable (everyone likes a treat, right) and his Christmas Gift of homemade pickled veggies put him over the top. Its now part of the trip to get a huge hug and usually a kiss on the cheek and such a smile! (Don’t worry, he’s not my type and I don’t think I’m his either)

So… This past weekend, I asked James if we could park in front of Soapy’s and run in to tell him the good news. With the tummy trouble we’ve both been having, we haven’t been able to eat there in quite a while. He agreed, just to let me run in and tell Mr. Bill. Mr. Bill, by the way, was very supportive when things didn’t work out last time and he was so looking forward to our future success…

We walked in and waited until he came out from the kitchen. He only had two customers. He tried to have us seat ourselves but we told him we just came to say hi and tell him that we had ourselves a little miracle and I’m due in November. He was ecstatic. He jumped up and down, hugged me a million times, kisses all around (including on James’ cheeks) and just so much joy. After a few turns back and forth of hugs and congratulations, he promptly pulled five dollars out of his tip jar and insisted we take it for the college fund. He put it in the front pocket of my jacket, like I’ve shoved tips onto him so many times before, and he made us promise to put it in the bank. So the college savings have already begun… and all thanks to Mr. Bill, at my favorite restaurant – whether I’m there to eat or not.

You meet so many people in life. You can pass them by and they never leave a mark, or you can let them in and your world can be improved by such extremes. Mr. Bill is one of those amazing people who makes me smile just to think of him and who can bring such joy just by being himself (even on his worst days). I’m blessed to have met him, and I can’t wait to introduce him to Baby Becwar (even if James is scared of his scratchy kisses…)