A&T Nails

But the lowly shall possess the land; *

they will delight in abundance of peace. Psalm 37. 12

The Nguyen family (not their real name) has lived in my community for decades. They were Vietnamese refugees, came to this country and worked hard to start a business. They sent their children to the local schools, and several of the children have gone on to successful careers. Their daughter, Michelle, stayed with her parents, however, and together they run one of the most popular nail salons in the area.

Not only are people greeted warmly when they arrive at A & T nails, but Michelle usually asks about other family members who have come to the salon before..."where is your husband? your son?" Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen still do not speak much English, but they know enough to ask about what the customer wants or likes. Michelle, however, speaks excellent English and has an excellent memory. Anything we have ever talked about she brings up when I see her. "How are your dogs? your teacher friends? your grandchildren?" The Nguyens communicate with each other in Vietnamese under their breaths, and I am sure it is so Michelle can translate what the customers are saying for her parents.

Yesterday when I was there, an elderly man came in with a batch of papers and sat down with Mr Nguyen at one of the stations. The "under the breath" chatter began, but of course I had no idea what they were saying. Mrs. Nguyen looked a little concerned as she worked on my hands, and the two men sat together going over papers and talking. I wondered if maybe their rent was going up, or their lease had expired. Mr. Nguyen and the man finally got up and left the shop, with the man saying, "I won't keep him for long." What was going on? I thought.

When the door closed, Michelle looked at me and said, "That man and his wife have been customers since we first opened, and he is giving us his Lincoln Navigator. His wife has had a stroke and his son died, and we are all like family."

When I was finished, Michelle said "come again, see you later" and Mrs. Nguyen reached over a gave me a hug and a big smile saying something I couldn't understand. But I did understand her gesture and the look in her eyes...they were rich with peace and abundance.