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Beauty

 

                                                                                                                Artwork by Gerd Altmann

One time, my wife and I were out to eat at a nice restaurant. It was busy and we had to wait a bit to be seated. I noticed another couple, also waiting, who had decided to sit at the bar until their turn came. It was a young man and woman, probably both in their twenties talking and laughing. It was obvious that the young woman had been in a terrible fire at some point in her life. Her face was a mask of fire scarring that no amount of plastic surgery would ever put completely right. When you see the effects of such a tragedy, there is a natural feeling of sympathy. And who knows what the full story of that incident was. What injuries could I not see? Was anyone else hurt in the fire?

But my sympathy and pity were washed away by the sheer joy on her face. She was having a good time with the man she loved. You could feel the love. You could see it in her eyes, the elation of just being in the presence of the one she loved. I don’t know her story. I don’t really know anything about her. But her joy gave me joy. If she can feel such joy, what excuse do the rest of us have? How superficial was I being, to think that a person's looks should limit their bliss? Joy isn't determined by a person's looks or wealth, or status, or the clothes they wear. In this media frenzied world we live in, it is easy to forget that. Sometimes it takes a bit for something to sink into this thick head of mine, but I suddenly realized this woman was beautiful. 


Star Liner


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