Don’t judge a book by its cover is a well-known adage, but it’s worth repeating every now and then. If a parent does not look like what you anticipate them to look like, evaluating them solely on their looks can be quite harsh.

People told him he was a horrible father after seeing his face tattoos. But then his wife said something that no one expected. Continue reading to find out more…

Self-expression is an essential component of being oneself. Tattoos are an excellent method for people to express themselves artistically. Richard Huff, 51, has over 240 tattoos and has chosen tattoos as a method of expressing himself as well.

The self-proclaimed ink junkie is married and has five children. His wife frequently shares videos and photos of him with their children, which are not always favorably welcomed by viewers.

Huff, 51, wants to make it obvious that his family is “no different” from any other. However, he has stated that strangers online constantly ridicule him due of his appearance.

He explained how it all began for him. “It became an addiction, I started with my legs and worked my way up,” Huff went on to say. He revealed that tattoos currently cover 85% of his body. Among the tattoos are his children’s names and his daughter’s lips.

“I want to be 100% covered in tattoos probably within the next four years,” Richard said. “I don’t know if it’s the pain or the artwork that you put on you, but it just becomes fascinating when you’re able to do this.”

He said that getting so many tattoos comes with its own set of issues. He described how pupils at his children’s school considered him frightening. His daughter told me, “They say, ‘ah it’s a bit scary’ and I say ‘no, my dad is not scary, he is good with tattoos.’”

Marita, his wife, admitted that she, too, was terrified of Richard. She went on to say, “I did judge Richard based on his looks at first but as I got to know him a little bit, he is actually a big-hearted person.”

She frequently posts about her hubby and how he loves her in a manner that no one else has. She frequently extols his virtues and praises him as a good spouse and parent. Marita has three children from prior marriages and has stated that Richard is more than a true father to his children since he has gone above and beyond for them.

“I’m in the PTA, and I go to all of my kids’ functions,” Richard explained.

Even with all of this knowledge about his lovely spirit available, people continue to condemn him. One member in the audience said, “I’m not against tattoos, but I mean honestly, does he really need tattoos on his face like that?”

Others, however, defend Richard as well. “Everyone keeps talking about his face tattoo,” one added. He enjoys it. He nabbed it. He’s a wonderful parent. Allow him to be.”

“If somebody can make negative comments like that, there’s something wrong with them that they would have to judge somebody else,” Richard remarked of the unfavorable comments. “This is what we did, and we’re happy,” he adds. We’ve been together for six years, and our children are happy, which is all that counts to us.”

Richard adds that, while unfavorable remarks might be annoying at times, they do not diminish his love for his family or vice versa. “Having tattoos does not scare my children, it does not make me a bad father, it makes my kids get a different perspective on life,” he went on to say.

If you like this essay, you might enjoy the tale of Melanie Griffith’s tattoo for Antonio Banderas and its surprising appearance over a decade later.

Richard Huff appears to be an excellent parent who is adored by his wife and children. He serves as a timely lesson to never judge a book by its cover! Share this essay with others to help them remember this lesson.