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BEAVER, West Virginia– A woman’s Facebook post has gone viral, all because of how she responded to criticism over her colorful hair.

Mary Walls Penney said she was recently at the store when the cashier saw her name tag and asked what she did there.

When Walls Penney responded that she’s a nurse, the woman said, “I’m surprised they let you work there like that. What do your patients think about your hair?” The cashier then asked a lady in line what she thought of the nurse’s hair. She said, “Nothing against you honey, it’s just not for me.”

Walls Penney said the cashier continued to comment that she was not allowed that sort of thing in the jobs she worked– including in fast food– and that she was shocked that a nursing facility would allow that.

After leaving the store, Walls Penney decided to write a Facebook post on her thoughts; it’s a post so powerful, it’s been shared over 150,000 times.

“I can’t recall a time that my hair color has prevented me from providing life saving 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!”

Reaction to her Facebook post has been very positive with people saying she’s beautiful inside and out, while many say they love her hair.

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