The Beauty of Courage

OK, I've found something beautiful that demands a comment - if only to myself.

It's my birthday today, so I gave myself a present and watched a war documentary on the History Channel of World War II aviator Roy Allen.

From journals and letters of family and friends, he carried to war a dedication to being his very best in the areas of his strengths, and a determination to overcome in areas of weakness. This strength of his spirit carried him through the most horrendous danger and difficulty.

He was looked to as a leader by many, and merited it. He acknowledged the bravery of others, and refused to allow fear to reign in his actions. He took risks, but was not reckless. He valued life, but wasn't afraid of death. He shared his fortunes, without expecting fortune in return.

The brilliance of his soul shown out to me through the flickering screen of the TV, as clearly as if he himself were present. A light like that cannot be hidden from those who see.

He returned home to Pennsylvania, to his wife and a son he had never met. He lived out the rest of his life there, raising 4 children and never much "cane".

Roy Allen died in 1991, but the beauty of his courage lives on.