She goes by the name "Judee"..

A month ago, I was sitting in the reception area at work with my headphones on. It was a very slow day I could of swore you could hear a pin drop. As I watched the "people of Wal-Mart" pass by (which was a daily thing), I saw this lady walk towards our nail salon. She was very well dressed and I thought to myself, "She looks like she just came from somewhere formal." She wore a grey shirt with three white buttons. She walked with her head held high, graciously striding on her "one inch" black dress shoes. 

 From where I was sitting, you could tell her "mission" was to get her nails done. It sounds very silly, but when a woman has her eyes set onto the nail salon - they're most likely going to get their nails done. She approached the reception area from where I was sitting and I stood up and greeted her with "Hi! How are you doing today? What can I help you with?" as I would with everyone. I thought she was a mean looking lady at first, then her smile lit up the room (literally).


She answered that she was doing great, and asked me the same with enthusiasm. Normally, most people would not ask me in such a tone that she asked. It sounded like she really wanted to know how my day was going, and I told her that I was also "doing wonderful." She said she needed a fill, so I checked my appointment book for the day and said that I was able to get her in ten minutes from "now." She said "Okay," and sat down.  

She asked if she could use a pen, and I delightedly said that I will get her one. I try to be very happy at work, and it obviously shows through my "dimple-producing" smiles I give. I handed her the pen, and she grabbed her check book to write a check and gave the pen back. I thanked her for the pen, and she said thank you also.

A couple seconds later, my uncle tells me to start her fill by removing her brown polish that she had on and filing her nails down. I thought to myself, "Bummer!!" because I was so into my music at that time. My uncle's willingness to let me start her fill was a miracle..

I told her that I was ready to start her fill and explained to her that I was only going to be doing a minimal job and that somebody else, my uncle or our other worker - Annie, would be doing her actual "fill." She agreed that it was fine and I escorted her to our desk. Still, walking tall and proudly, she sat down and I sat down. She smiled at me, asked me a couple questions like 

• "How do you like doing nails?" 
• "How long have you been here?" 
• "What bought you to South Dakota?" 
• "Are you related to ----uncle's name goes here--?"
• "Are you going to college?"
• "Why did you choose to move to South Dakota out of all the places?
• etc

I personally, like to have a connection with my clients to know who they are so I respected her by answering her questions. Normally, people say you should keep personal life out of work life but I think some exceptions could be made. After answering questions and questions, ranging from college to what I wanted to be, and why I wanted to be a "nurse," she asked me "Are you sure that was the only reason you wanted to move to South Dakota?"

I paused removing her polish and sat there for a good thirty seconds to give a response that was suitable for the intense conversation that was going on. She saw in my eyes that I was holding behind something. I told her a brief description of why I actually moved to South Dakota..

"My mom decided to abandon me, because she put her boyfriend(s) in front of her own three children." I said.

She pulled her hands back, and looked into my eyes and told me..

"You are a strong young boy, I can see it in your eyes. I'm very proud of you, and I know you will accomplish great things in your life. Sometimes we have to put our heart out on a goal, and push everything aside that interferes with it. At times, people might push you off your track, but you are strong enough to put yourself back on track. I see you doing great things in your life, and I believe in you."

Those were the very words that she said. I didn't know how to react because I needed the extra push, all the pushes that I can get only drive me further to my goals. I had a "few" tears in my eyes.. She was truly an angel sent from above or something out of the ordinary that came into my life.....

She had her fill done by my uncle, and my uncle told her of my struggles in the past of how I was raised, how I have no dad, and the situation with my own mother. I don't mind him telling people about my life because there is no reason to hide what is the truth. 

I had to go home early that very day.. and I said my farewells to her, and wished her a great evening and walked out.

I was now at home and was helping my aunt cook dinner. Asparagus was on the menu for that night with rice. I heard the front door open and my uncle walks in and gives me this look. He walks to me, and in his hands is a hundred dollar check from "Judee." I was shocked because her service was only twenty dollars and she left a hundred dollar tip. 

My uncle told me she admired me for my strength, and my willingness to stay strong to support myself through college even though I have to leave my two sisters behind. She is an amazing lady.



Judee came in today to get her nails done. She got the usual color she would always get, something along the lines of a brown color. I started her off, and she and I conversated back and forth about our lives, what we have been doing, how are my sisters doing, etc. She asked me if I planned on staying around the area or leaving, and I told her that I was going to most likely go back to Georgia or stay nearby to keep a look out on my sisters. I thought to myself that I could support my sisters by myself after I have my career established with nursing, and probably settle down and have a family also here in the Black Hills. She asked me if any big upcoming events was going on, I told her that my state boards was coming up on the 15th of November, and she asked me what time.. I told her at seven in the morning. I made a comment saying that this license was my door to everything, and that it was a stepping stone to my future.

She then replied, "Is it okay if I say some prayers from now and to the time that you take your state boards?"


I said, "Most definitely."


She got her nails finished off by my uncle, and then she walked to me in the back and gave me a hug - saying that I will do wonderful on my boards and that I, as well as my sisters will be in her prayers, and handed me a check in which I did not check until I finished my client that I was on.. I was stunned that she gave me another check... I checked the check, and she wrote along the memo line "Bless you!" Very spiritual, and wonderful personality.


She made my whole entire day. No, rather, my entire life.. Thank you for giving me the extra push that could always be needed. It's not the amount of money she tipped that matter, but her sweet heart that always is a caring feature of her. I honestly feel like she is an angel, she comes randomly, and never makes appointments. I saw her at the mall the other day walking by and we stopped to chat, and the mall is about an hour away. I only came to pick up something, and there she was, just walking to my direction through the door. I would think no different if she left no tip or any amount of money because that does not equate to what she has shown me - what true compassion and understanding is. It's extraordinary because she wanted to become a nurse too, so we have a lot of similar things in common along with our giving nature.  


Here is the check:

FYI- I am planning on to not cash this check in. I'm keeping it on my desk where my books are along with some other personal belongings -- will post a picture sometime.


Thank you Judee, expect something in the mail sometime. 


She's truly a blessing, I can feel it!!! You know, that feeling of peace and protection? I don't know how to explain it. Good vibes. 

Remember, you have a lot to be thankful for whether you see it or not. For anyone going through tough times, just know that it will pass and that there will be better days ahead. Count your blessings, they can come from a random stranger or even just a hand written note that says "Bless you." Be good to yourself and others, and most importantly, love yourself and share it because the universe put us here for a reason - not to start wars, but to make peace happen. War is inevitable, but we can start our own peace with others. May protection be offered to those who wish to obtain it, and may the good spirits of those guide us through the journey of what we call - Life. In the name of __________, Amen.




Anthony