I keep meaning to share this 5 minute moment in my life and forgetting. I’m a slacker- we all know that. 
I was at Target a couple weeks ago and when paying noticed the person behind me in line. His ears were pierced with those ’spreader earrings’- you know the ones that make your ear holes bigger and bigger until you do something fancy with them- honestly I have no idea why you do that. It’s something that I find interesting and a bit odd.
Anyway, in addition to his interesting ears there was the way he was dressed. He had a grungy look to him- a look I’m prone to attribute to troublemakers. His pants were hanging down past his butt and I could tell you about his boxers because they were visible as well. He was heavily tattooed on his arms and neck and if I were to guess his age I’d put him at 18ish give or take a year or two either direction.
He was buying a coloring book and crayons. That’s all he was buying. He had who I assume was his younger brother with him. His brother appeared to be a teenager as well. It was hard for me to gauge his age because he was mentally handicapped.
The most interesting thing was the conversation that was taking place between the two of them. The younger (I’m assuming) brother was asking constant questions. The older brother was answering each of them patiently, kindly, lovingly. They walked behind me as I walked to my car and the constant chatter of their conversation made my day.
You definitely can’t judge a book by it’s cover!
Kristina’s last blog post..One Is NOT the Loneliest Number
a gentle reminder to not judge a book by its cover. I know my first thought would have been something along the lines of “trouble-makers” “weirdo”..so something equally unflattering.
(Me) Danielle’s last blog post..For Your Viewing Pleasure
you can’t read a book by it’s cover is sooo true.
it would be nice though if book covers were accurate however.
JULIE’s last blog post..when sweet dreams turn into nightmares!
AWESOME!! I LOVE stories like this. Thanks for sharing!!
Jillene’s last blog post..Where Did This Kid Come From?!
That is a cool experience Amber.
<—- thats you making me smile
Whitney’s last blog post..Memries
We are all quick to judge. I’m glad that he turned out to be better than you’d think at first glance.
I live with a hippie boy with that freakishly long hair. People could judge him quickly as a drug user or whatever. Instead we know he’s a major, nationally awarded science geek with one of the kindest dispositions I have ever met - rivaling your dad’s I’d say. Sometimes I wonder if people judge him too quickly with his long hair and raggedy clothes. I think it takes a certain kind of self confidence to look “alternative” and do what you want.
A good reminder. I have a cousin whom I would run from had I met him in an alley, but is perfectly nice. I guess we shouldn’t always judge by appearances.
I’ve met some scary looking people in my days as a social worker. Amazingly, most are not nearly as scary once you get to know them. In fact, I think some of them may be nicer than nice looking people
One of my dearest friends here has those spreader earrings, and her husband does as well. They dress really oddly but they are the sweetest people you’d ever meet. I guess wanting attention isn’t the same thing as being a trouble maker, eh?
Kimberly’s last blog post..What’s the Draw?
Awwwww.
like that afterschool special where the kid looked all scary, but really he was some concert violinst or something. just like that.
Sabra’s last blog post..Timpanogos Cave
The things in his ears are called, gauges. My oldest son and I often discuss what their ears will look like when they are 90. I hope no one trips on them.
Anyway, in reference to this young man, it is great to be suprised by people.
Bonnie’s last blog post..What we will be doing on tuesday and Thursday nights.
Who is my neighbor? Everyone. Thanks for the reminder.
Jo’s last blog post..Mountain Monday Redux
It’s funny how looks can be so deceiving. Just thinking about those brothers makes me happy.
Lady of Perpetual Chaos’s last blog post..Bab Stats
That is the cutest story. You know, I have a brother who fits that profile. Shaved head, tattooed, earrings…the works. Nicest guy in the word. He played hide-and-go seek with my daughter for hours over Memorial Day weekend!!
Mindy’s last blog post..Happenings
Aw, sibling stories like this make me happy
Thanks for sharing.
ameliorate me’s last blog post..My ghetto toe is crying right now
My new home teacher looks a lot like that, only he’s in his 20s or 30s. He’s a new convert…I’m kind of excited to hear about his conversion.
Natalie’s last blog post..Holy Chaos!
Lovely story!
Luisa Perkins’s last blog post..Welcome to Kashkawan
That’s an inspiring image…makes me wonder what the story is behind it.
Jessica G.’s last blog post..Glutton for Punishment