Everything Under The Sun: Always Smiling

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Always Smiling

Before and after major dental work for Brian Maixner.

If you've ever been in Wichita, KS, and have eaten at the DOO-DAH DINER, you might have met Brian Maixner. He's been waiting tables for about twenty years and he serves his customers at the diner with friendly laughs and smiles. He's a bright light in a busy day for those who stop by the diner; the smile and upbeat attitude can be contagious.

Well, one day a while back, Brian broke a tooth and, well, one thing led to another, so before long, he had a mouth full of dental problems. But on a waiter's salary, he couldn't afford to get the original problem tooth treated, much less the problems that followed. But life goes on, and Brian's upbeat attitude never changed.

Then, something of an angel entered the diner. Fred Boettcher was in town to visit his daughter and stopped by for breakfast. That's when he noticed the cheerful and energetic Brian Maixner, serving customers, with such kind words and smiles. Fred noted, "He carried himself with such kindness and confidence with a mouth that looked painful. I was struck by that."

With Fred's heart being touched by Brian and his needs, Fred called over owner Timirie Shibley to find out whether it was permissible for him to offer to pay for fixing Brian's teeth. And so, it was. The offer so affected Brian that he cried tears of joy, as he accepted the offer.

Apparently, generosity is one of the traits common to Mr. Boettcher. His daughter, Meredith Boettcher Young said, "It's so strange this gift is spreading like wildfire [about the viral spread through the internet]. Dad gives so much, I remember him buying groceries for people in need when we were growing up."

Brian has spent several weeks getting the dental work completed, and now has a completely reworked smile, one that goes along with the joy that flows from within. As for Fred, he says, "No matter what religion you might be or whether you even believe in an afterlife, the way to be satisfied in your life is to be kind to everybody and be as generous as you possibly can be." That generosity doesn't have to cost a lot of money, either. Just look at Brian, his kindness costs smiles and the joy in his heart.