My Hero: Josh Allan

Written May 12, 2006.

One of my good friends from high school is Josh Allan. He was in my small accountability group from Church and we spent a lot of the best times of my adolescence together. I will never forget leaving appliances on the lawns of friends and pastors, intense four player Nintendo hockey games at his home, or speeding away from the scene of a particular "crime" late at night.

After September 11, (now so long ago!) Josh went on to join the Navy. He was driven by his conviction to respond against that terrible evil.

This November, Josh was shipped out to the Middle East. He was married on the Tuesday after the day of my own nuptual bliss, and left very soon after. Today he came back after 5 and a half months away to see his wife again. His face registered an incredible tranforming happiness as he embraced her.

I couldn't help but smile myself at this reunion. This was bliss well earned; happiness fully deserved. When a man has put his nation's well being so far beyond his own domestic happiness and health, thus demonstrating such a fullness of character and principle, may his own happiness come in degrees and fulnesses heightened by a proportionate degree!

Josh is a somber reminder to me that there are many young men and women out in the deserts of Arabia fighting for our freedom against an implacable foe. Yet, he is also an inspiration to take up our cross daily, and follow Christ in our own battles against a hidden enemy. Josh, thank you for your sacrifice and love.

Josh is not the only person, however, deserving of thanks. His wife, April, has been without him for the great majority of their marriage. This sacrifice is equally moving. Not only has April given up her husband for our and our nation's sake, she demonstrated a further selfless spirit in organizing a large gathering to greet Josh as he came home for this short leave. Though undoubtedly desparate of time alone with her husband, she thought only of his happiness and honor in planning his home coming. She succeeded completely. So, thanks to you also, April. Your heroism does not go unnoticed.

You both are inspirations to us all. No words that I can write can ever express this fact fully, but how can I not try? It's the least I can do, and nowhere near what you deserve.