Good Men Shine
“The light of a good character surpasseth the light of the sun and the radiance thereof. Whoso attaineth unto it is accounted as a jewel among men.” ~ Tarázát
Sometimes we forget that heroes do exist. They don’t come leaping across rooftops in shiny suits. They do not have any super powers to zap and freeze. They look just like you and me. And they walk in our midst. Shoulder to shoulder.
Except that their hearts burn like a million shining stars. And in their souls they carry a burning flame that nothing can ever dim nor waver.
I met a hero once. Except that I didn’t know a hero lived in him. His name was Kevin Tan.
He played the drums at church in Kuala Lumpur where we were both on the music team. Eventhough it’s been twenty years since I last saw him, I can still see him in my mind. Just like it was yesterday. Snapshots flashing before me of a friendly, unassuming chap, moving to the beat of the drums as he played. When he smiled, his eyes crinkled up into two tiny slits.
Kevin passed away after jumping into a river to save a young man from drowning. He managed to push this man to safety but was himself pulled under by the fast swirling currents. He leaves behind his beautiful wife and two young children. 
It has been written that one righteous act has the potency to scatter across the universe a power so great as to elevate even the dust to pass beyond the heaven of heavens.
I can only imagine the waves of goodness and light that this one single act of rare selflessness would have ignited in each of the hearts of those who had known him and beyond.
As I sit here reading the eulogies that have come pouring in from around the world for Kevin, I begin to see this young drummer lad who had since become a man, a husband, a father, a leader in the community.
A man who infused courage, strength and affirmation into the lives of everyone he met. A man who revived the meaning of honour, integrity and strength of character. He loved life with a passion. He loved the great outdoors. His life was a manifesto of joy.
“Life is the balance of getting there and not yet there, and the joy of the whole process of becoming. If we only live for good performances and results, chances are, we often miss out on all the roses and the colors along the way. Appreciate the little things. Appreciate details.” ~ Kevin Tan (1971 – 2013) 
It has been said that it is not the length of a life that counts but how brightly that life shone while it lived out each day on this earth.
Dear Kevin, I may not have known you that well in life but your story is a light that shines in my heart. You are a light among men. May your light live on in your children’s hearts. May the hearts of your loved ones be solaced in remembrance of your legacy.
May your sacrifice teach us anew the meaning of love and courage.
Rest in peace great soul…you were obviously always listening to the beat of a different Drummer.
“Heroes are they, O my Lord, lead them to the field of battle. Guides are they, make them to speak out with arguments and proofs. Ministering servants are they, cause them to pass round the cup that brimmeth with the wine of certitude. O my God, make them to be songsters that carol in fair gardens, make them lions that couch in the thickets, whales that plunge in the vasty deep.” ~ ´Abdu’l-Bahá
What a beautiful tribute.
Kevin, you reinstate my faith in this time of turbulence. Thank you and rest in peace.
This post is a whisper across my cheek.
Fly with eagles Kevin…and watch over us all.
Hugs to you Sharon. xo
Oh, Sharon, your photographs so tenderly underscore your tribute to the light that was among us in Kevin. Bless him and his loved ones and bless you, too, for reminding us of his words, which I know are also yours: Pay attention. Appreciate. Shine.
Thank you, and gentle peace.
Beautiful tribute Sharon. Now your words have added to both Kevin’s and the world’s light. And wonderful pics that seem to match to warm, soft mood of tribute. blessings, Brad
I can’t imagine a better tribute. Tears well up in the corner of my eyes.
Dear Sharon, Your words and your photographs are tender and luminous. Thank you for memorializing this hero, that his love and courage might stir us all. This post will abide in me. In a happy coincidence, I am also preparing a post about a hero. Here’s to cherishing those who light our way. Much love, Vivian
Awesome post .The beauty of nature renews itself.
“Rest in peace great soul…you were obviously always listening to the beat of a different Drummer.” Indeed!
I hope his wife and children get to see this tribute to Kevin Tan, who died so young.
Kevin certainly has brightly shone while he lived out each day on this earth.
Thank you for introducing us to Hero Kevin.
Thank you for sharing Kevin’s story. My sympathies to his family.
A most beautiful tribute to this hero, Sharon. May his family be comforted in the knowledge that his light did shine brightly and selflessly.
I always think that perhaps when we remember, those we have lost get a tiny frisson of joy. Kevin made a difference in life. You make a difference by sharing his story.
A beautifully written tribute to a real hero.
A heartfelt post.
Sharon, your post is so beautifully written along with the images! Your words touched my heart tonight…awesome, so very awesome! God bless!
Sharon, this was an amazing tribute, beautifully written. Thank you for sharing and touching our lives with this story.
What a beautiful tribute to a man who understood courage and sacrifice, Sharon. May we each be inspired to likewise make a difference to others.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to a man who proves that there is greatness in goodness.
Hi, Sharon. Would you please email me at russtowne@yahoo.com? If you do, please include something in the subject line that let’s me know it is you, and if you don’t hear from me within 24 hours please assume that I didn’t get it, as it my intention to reply to the email as soon as I see it.
Thank you!
Russ
Dearest Russ,
I just sent you an email to the address above. Thank you so much for your care and concern. Take wonderful care my friend! Sharon
Sharon a stunning tribute for a stunning life, he who gave his life for another. Your pictures also shine and I am humbled by this mans story. May his family find comfort together and celebrate his beautiful life.
How sad and how lovely.
Thank yo for sharing this beautiful tribute…
Heroes..”.they just look like you and me ..”…so very true…
may his soul rest in peace..
take care
sriram
Thank you for sharing this touching tribute Sharon. Beautiful souls exist and that is encouraging for humanity.
Sharon, what a beautiful and uplifting post. It brought tears to my eyes.
When I served in Viet Nam (1966) I took my R&R (a break from the war) in Kuala Lumpur mostly because I had never heard of it. I fell in love with that wonderful city instantly;
Now you add the existence of a true hero and only reinforce my love for Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Richard,
Your message touched me very much. Thank you for taking the time to read about the life of a hero from Malaysia. I appreciate your kind heart. Sharon
Wonderful photos to go with your great tribute. Very touching.
Love, Dina
Sharon, thanks for sharing your tribute to a real hero who stepped out in our ordinary world and did something great for someone else. If only each of us could be so selfless.
Becky
These are beautifully written words about an ordinary hero who let the light shine through his life. Thanks for sharing about Kevin. I loved how he spoke of life in terms of the joy of the whole process of becoming. My prayers for his wife and children, and all who were touched by his life as your were. Blessings, Mark
He was a hero indeed, Sharon. God bless his soul and bring consolation to his bereaved family. May his legacy of courage and good heart go on.
Amazing and thank you friend, there are many inspirational articles
I love hearing tales of our humble fellow travelers on the path who unexpectedly rise above their own expectations of themselves and give all to save their fellow man, or even an animal. I work in a field where we all too frequently see the most base elements of man, but are suddenly lifted by such heroes as Kevin Tan whose humanity shone so very brightly. Thank you for sharing his story; it really touched my heart. Jeanne
What a memorable tribute and your photographs fit perfectly with your words-
This is a really deeps sentence, that I never really understood till I read your article, “It has been said that it is not the length of a life that counts but how brightly that life shone while it lived out each day on this earth.”
perfectly written, and as everyone saying your photographs gives a more meaning to it.
how beautiful!! the words and the images
Thank you Shaon for sharing about Kevin Tan. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” A rare and priceless love! May God grant you peace, joy and discovery in 2014.
A lovely shot!
Reblogged this on kanavsood11 and commented:
Lets again build our characters and strive to take it to those heights where all our fears won’t ever dare to conquer it
This truly touched me. Thank you for this heartfelt tribute.