Martha Simonton: He looked ‘rough,’ but he had a kind heart

I learned a valuable lesson today: You cannot judge a book by its cover.

My husband and I were having breakfast at the Black Bear Diner in Modesto. Sitting at a table across from us was a young couple. The young man had several tattoos on his face and though I didn’t stare nor say anything, I can honestly say that I made a judgment. I thought “Why do that to yourself; it makes you look so rough.” After they finished eating, he came over to our table, smiled and said “Have a nice day” as he handed my husband $20.

After our initial shock, we both said “Oh no, you don’t need to do that.” He just said “Please, pay it forward.”

Thanks so much to this young man. We didn’t get his name. But his of kindness sincerely affected me and has made me think about how I must not judge others so quickly.

This story was originally published January 13, 2015 at 10:24 AM with the headline "Martha Simonton: He looked ‘rough,’ but he had a kind heart."