A Beautiful Man - from Somerset Magazine, August 2016

Whether you prefer the word ‘beautiful’ or ‘handsome’, 

Kirk’s strong presence fits the description

                Who would think that such an innocuous word as ‘beautiful’ could start a controversy?  As women, we’ve fought for equality in the workplace, in politics, in general.  Yet, in the discussion that sparked this article, it was primarily women who balked at using the term to describe men.  Certainly, no one would argue that Michelangelo’s David, Elvis’s smoldering eyes, or Frank Sinatra’s silky voice are beautiful things but, when people began to share what makes a man beautiful, it was almost never his appearance.

                Childbirth is a violent process, interspersed with unattractive details.  Gone are the days when an expectant father paced the halls, waiting for his newborn child to be presented – washed and neatly swaddled.  Christopher never left his wife’s side.  Though her pain was almost more than he could bear, he never thought of walking away.  Their child was born with jaundice, struggled to nurse, and cried for relief.  His mother battled post-partum depression, was afraid she’d fail as a parent.  Christopher had no good role model – his own father left when he and his brother were almost too young to remember – but he does the best he can.  He loves his wife, his son, and their ancient, ailing dog.

It is beautiful to watch Cody
continue the tradition of the family farm 

                Vince is a man in love with his wife and his daughters.  They see too little of him because he is also a man of principle, dedicated to his work and gives nothing less than his all.  He is a faithful man who supports the people who work for him, his partner, and his friends.  He gives voice to those without and saves lives every day.  Vince is a veterinarian.  More often than he’d like, his is the hand that escorts a cherished pet to the other side.  The decision is never made lightly, or alone.  The compassion he offers in these moments is heartfelt, his tears, genuine.  When his clients are at their most vulnerable, Vince is a man to be trusted and admired.

What a beautiful thing it is to see Cayce play with his son, Forest

                Lee is a man who didn’t do well by his family.  He was, in general, an angry person who put his needs always before those of others.  He drank too much and inflicted abuse upon his children.  But, Lee has changed.  He has done what no one expected: he has apologized to those he’s harmed, and he tries to make amends.  Not everyone can forgive him and he accepts this.  He no longer makes excuses and he works each day to become a better man.

                Jimmy has Down ’s syndrome.  There are many things he cannot do and much that he doesn’t understand, but Jimmy can sing!  He is rarely without a smile and he gives the best hugs.  Even the most gruff of gentlemen soften in his presence.  His features are not what many would consider handsome but his soul shines in a way that far surpasses the word.

Andrew with his son, Austin,
on the most beautiful day of his life

                Though we might not change your mind about whether the word applies to men, few would argue that beauty is what beauty does.  Whether you call him handsome or beautiful, a man is most attractive when he’s doing something he loves.  Caitlyn loves to watch Eddie work on his racecar, grease-covered and so involved in his passion that he is almost oblivious to her presence.  Julie admires Bill both in camouflage when he leaves before daybreak to hunt turkey and in the uniform of their son’s baseball team when he coaches.  Jenny has found beauty in Jim every day of their 25-year marriage but takes special pleasure in watching him garden.  Angel’s heart melts when Cayce tosses, tickles, and teases their son into uncontrollable fits of laughter.  Perhaps most beautiful of all is the face of a man in love, watching his bride walk down the aisle, gazing into her eyes as she takes his hand in marriage, and in that moment when they are pronounced husband and wife.

Phil Balko is the proprietor of Photography by Balko, a full-service studio specializing in senior portraits, custom wedding, and lifestyle photography.  To see more of his work, visit http://philipbalko.com/.  You may contact Phil at inquiry@philipbalko.com or (814)352-5327.