Ex-Dairy Queen Employee Sends Boss a Heartwarming Note

— -- You never know what will come in the mail, as Yvonne Lavasidis learned last Monday when she received a letter that brought her to tears.

“Dear Yvonne, Well, I’m a doctor now! It’s taken me a long time, I know, to come back around to Dairy Queen but I have thought of you and your kindness often,” the note reads. “You are an incredible boss and an even better human being. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me, for BBQing halal chicken for me, and allowing me to study for my MCAT’s in the back when no customers were around. Much love, Nabiha”

“Obviously I was so very touched,” Lavasidis, 42, told ABC News. “I was in tears when I read the note for the first time, and every time I read it, it still brings tears to my eyes.”

Lavasidis owns a Dairy Queen in Markham, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and brother, and managed Nabiha Islam three or four years ago for about two years.

“She was a wonderful employee and so bright and one of those kids that you know will be exceptional and find success,” she said. “I have so many young successful kids. I have one who’s a nurse at the local hospital, but she’ll take the occasional shift just for the fun of it, if you can believe that. It’s just a nice atmosphere for working.”

Lavasidis said she makes a point to create a fun, supportive working environment, throwing parties for staff throughout the year and barbecuing often in the back.

“I work in the store with the staff and have the opportunity to really get to know each person, so it’s a nice thing to see that young people who have found success take the time to take a pen and write a note. It’s so thoughtful,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t realize how perhaps you might be influencing someone.”

Since her husband posted a picture of the letter online, the story has gone viral.

“It’s so lovely for me because really it was just a note between two people,” she said. “Everyone’s response and reaction to it is very nice to see.”