Colorful, eye-catching hair is definitely becoming more and more popular.
What used to be reserved for the most daring and whimsical types can now be found everywhere — even in the workplace.
Hair color is getting so bright and beautiful that colorists are constantly finding ways to outdo themselves, mixing up crazy colors and even creating fine art in people's tresses.
One of the many purveyors of bright, bold dye job is Mary Walls Penney, who consistently dyes her locks pink, purple, blue, green, or all of those colors at once!
In addition to her bright, bold appearance, which also includes several piercings and tattoos, she is also an amazing registered nurse who spends her days caring for many patients in need.
Though what she looks like does nothing to inform of her job performance, she still recently received several unwanted comments while out at the store, chiding her for her hair and tattoos.
In response, she took to Facebook to share her important thoughts about nursing and her own aesthetic.
What do you think about the cashier's comments and Penney's response? Let us know in the comments below!
[H/T: Cosmopolitan]
In addition to being a mother of two, Mary Walls Penney is a nurse who tends to patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
But despite working a very demanding, difficult job, Penney infuses her life with color and expression — namely by dying her hair fun colors.
Recently, during a routine trip to the store, Penney was confronted by a cashier — who had a number of strong opinions regarding Penney's appearance.
Penney was so shocked by the experience, she took to Facebook to tell her story and write a response.
Since its initial publication, her post has received over 100,000 shares and 200,000 likes — in addition to hundreds of comments.
Read on below to learn the details of Penney's experience.
"After work, I went to the store to pick up a few things.
"While checking out, the cashier looked at my name tag and said, 'So what do you do there?'
"I replied, 'I'm a nurse.'"
"She continued, 'I'm surprised they let you work there like that. What do your patients think about your hair?'"
"She then proceeded to ask the elderly lady that was in line behind me, 'What do you think about her hair?'
"The kind older lady said, 'Nothing against you honey, it's just not for me.'"
"Then, the cashier continued to comment that they didn't allow that sort of thing even when she worked fast food, and that she was shocked that a nursing facility would allow that.
"Well, here's my thoughts…"
"I can't recall a time that my hair color has prevented me from providing lifesaving treatment to one of my patients.
"My tattoos have never kept them from holding my hand, and as they lay frightened and crying because Alzheimer's has stolen their mind…"
"My multiple ear piercings have never interfered with me hearing them reminisce about their better days or listening to them as they express their last wishes.
"My tongue piercing has never kept me from speaking words of encouragement to a newly diagnosed patient or from comforting a family that is grieving…"
"So, please explain to me how my appearance, while being paired with my cheerful disposition, servant's heart, and smiling face, has made me unfit to provide nursing care and unable to do my job!"
Penney's message is a reminder that no matter how we look on the outside, it's our heart and soul that make us who we are.
What do you think of this cashier's opinion and of Walls Penney's response? Let us know in the comments below!
And if you think hardworking nurses deserve more respect and appreciation, please SHARE Penney's story on Facebook!
