Working hard for a living

I walked over and extended my hand to him. I had just finished placing my coffee order when I noticed Jason. He managed an ‘after market’ truck accessories shop, at which I had made a couple of purchases. He also worked part time repairing appliances on his own time, after work and on weekends. As he extended his hand, after juggling his own order, and a book in his hand, (a repair manual?) I couldn’t help but notice his cracked, black stained, hands. As I shook his hand, and acknowledged him by his first name, I added, “Working man’s hands.” I found his response to be disturbing and also, discouraging. He replied that just earlier that morning, another male individual had pulled his hand back when he noticed Jason’s hands. I am not going to speculate what that individual was thinking. I just thought…. this guy works hard for a living.