Thursday, April 3, 2014

True Heroes A to Z: C is Hard

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

For me, "C" is hard. Having a "C" name, I'm extra sensitive to C people, so the ones I was choosing from were C.S. Lewis (love this guy!), Christopher Columbus (but I wrote about an explorer/expansionist yesterday) and Clara Barton (Founder of the American Red Cross). They were all epic choices, but I wanted to share someone a little closer to home today.

ollier, Matt: My adorable other half.

I met this guy when I was sixteen. He was twenty. At first, I didn't think much except that he was older and funny, but his brother was funnier. And younger. Matt won out because he was chivalrous.

It was that same aspect that impressed me on our second date. He treated all women with incredible respect. He held the door for me. He dished up my ice cream--when we were in my house, with my utensils. He spoke of his mother and sisters with reverence and respect. He wouldn't let me pay for any part of a date. EVER.

He was smart--as in become-a-doctor, rocket-scientist, anything-you-want kind of smart, but never placed too much emphasis on money. His focus was on the people around him--serving others, making sure they were happy, and concerned for their well being. The thing that stood out above all else, was his devotion to God.

We had and continue to have our own fairy-tale romance, and here's the secret: His greatest goal in life was to be married and make his wife the happiest woman in the world. Some days I wonder how I got so lucky. I have some rather far-out dreams, but he keeps them alive and encourages me on every front. He pushes me out the door and believes in me so hard, I have to believe in myself. He's been the love of my life for 16 years, and by my side for 14 of them.

He's my best friend.


A quick heads up, for the month of April ONLY, MOONLESS is $1.99! Get your copy HERE.

Do you have a best friend? Someone who encourages and keeps you going? Any heroes that start with C? (Besides me. LOL.) 
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,
Don't forget to sign up for your Monthly Dose of Cheese!!! First Name:   Last Name:
Email:  

98 comments:

  1. Stephanie FarisApril 3, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Awww, how sweet! I have to say, after reading three depressing A to Z blogs in a row, this was a nice ray of sunshine!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Madeline Mora-SummonteApril 3, 2014 at 8:25 AM

    Such a sweet and wonderful post! My husband was, and still is, chivalrous. One of my favorite things is how he always opens the car door for me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. DanaApril 3, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    Aw, what a sweet post! Your husband sounds like a wonderful man. You've got one of the good ones. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Julie FlandersApril 3, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    Aww, what a wonderful post. Love the photo collage.

    ReplyDelete
  5. SittieCatesApril 3, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    Aww... That's really sweet, Crystal. You're lucky and he is, too, for having you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kristin SmithApril 3, 2014 at 9:13 AM

    Aww, love this post Crystal! Your husband sounds amazing (almost as awesome as mine). :) Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with us. I loved your pictures--you have a beautiful family!

    Also, you might want to check out my post at some point today, I think you'll like it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 2:48 PM

      Thanks. I like them pretty well--and thank you for the shout. You are wonderful!

      Delete
  7. Laura ClipsonApril 3, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    This is a lovely post, I'm actually tearing up right now. Your husband sounds amazing :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Elizabeth SeckmanApril 3, 2014 at 10:30 AM

    That is so sweet! I got lucky with mine too. My mother once told me to watch how he treats his mother, and she was right.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 2:49 PM

      It's so true! And sisters, don't forget the sisters.

      Delete
  9. Bish DenhamApril 3, 2014 at 10:59 AM

    Absolutely no better hero than the one you have by your side!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sherry EllisApril 3, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    Wow! What an awesome hubby you have!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Damaria SenneApril 3, 2014 at 11:12 AM

    Among the C heroes you mention? Matt wins hands down. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kelly HashwayApril 3, 2014 at 11:49 AM

    Aw! Seriously, I can't say anything but "aw!" because that is so sweet. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownApril 3, 2014 at 11:52 AM

    What a sweet post to a great guy!

    ReplyDelete
  14. cleemckenzieApril 3, 2014 at 12:00 PM

    You can't have a better C post than this one!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ava QuinnApril 3, 2014 at 12:08 PM

    YAY!!!! I LOVE the husband-love post. So cool you chose your man for this day's hero. :D

    ReplyDelete
  16. Chrys FeyApril 3, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    I think this is the sweetest post for C! Love it! :D

    ReplyDelete
  17. StephscoApril 3, 2014 at 12:59 PM

    Very sweet! I'm glad you shared and love the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Alex J. CavanaughApril 3, 2014 at 1:19 PM

    That's wonderful you chose your husband! He'll appreciate that. Paying for everything, getting doors - that's what a real man is supposed to do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Loni TownsendApril 3, 2014 at 2:42 PM

    Excellent choice for letter C. He sounds like a real catch. You two make a wonderful couple. I love the pictures. My letter C would've been the same type of correlation, C for Christopherus Townsend, my husband/hero. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 2:53 PM

      Awesome! I love that. How many people can say that of their spouse?

      Delete
  20. Lynda DietzApril 3, 2014 at 3:01 PM

    My hubby is the same, and I firmly believe this is what should be expected of a real man. How wonderful for Matt that you've featured him today so we can all think he's as great as you think he is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 7:34 PM

      =) He tells me every day about fifteen ways how great I am. If that alone doesn't make him great, I don't know what does.

      Delete
  21. D.G. HudsonApril 3, 2014 at 3:10 PM

    A sweet tribute! Hope your hubs gets to see this. Making each other happy is something all couples should do.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Brandon AxApril 3, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    That is awesome. Me and my wife have been together for 14 years. Time sure flies. Really great post.

    Brandon Ax: Writer's Storm

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousApril 3, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    Stopping by on the A to Z -- this was lovely. (Also: in your author profile, you got me with "and cheese." Love it.) And I learned a few things by looking over your Brigham Young post from yesterday -- I'd heard of him but didn't know much about him. Nice. -- Victoria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 7:41 PM

      Yay! All cheese lovers are welcome here. So glad you could stop by!

      Delete
  24. Haneen IbrahimApril 3, 2014 at 3:52 PM

    Blow me down, I think you just got yourself the perfect man! That's an excellent choice for C, and this is such a lovely post I'm in tears :'") chivalrous huh! no wonder you write historical. Sometimes I just wish I could get back in time only to get me a well-mannered gentleman who respects women, now you proved to me such men do exist in our time so thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 7:49 PM

      LOL. He's not perfect, but he is wonderful and I choose to focus on the good.

      Delete
  25. SK AnthonyApril 3, 2014 at 3:53 PM

    Awww you two are too stinkin' sweet! Love that you chose your other half as your C ;)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Liz A.April 3, 2014 at 4:35 PM

    What a lovely tribute to your husband.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Matt CollierApril 3, 2014 at 5:02 PM

    Speechless. I love you sweetheart!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Jay NoelApril 3, 2014 at 5:18 PM

    See, good guys DO win!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jemima PettApril 3, 2014 at 5:20 PM

    I hope Matt isnt too embarrassed by this :) I'm just jealous of you!

    But I am going to the cheese shop tomorrow, so can I get you some nice regional British cheese? Redesdale, perhaps?

    Jemima
    #TeamDamyanti
    Blogging from Alpha to Zulu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 7:55 PM

      LOl. He's a hopeless romantic. He doesn't get embarrassed, only proud.

      Yes please, pick me up something delectable. I'll love you forever! =)

      Delete
  30. Frankie MillerApril 3, 2014 at 6:07 PM

    This is a great post dedicated to your husband. I'm sure Matt's thrilled to have you. Any guy who treats women with respect is quite wonderful in these times.
    May you have many, many blessed years together.

    ReplyDelete
  31. MysteryApril 3, 2014 at 6:38 PM

    Wonderful way to appreciate your partner for life! My own partner/best friend/accomplice in all things is a C as well, and very heroic indeed when it comes to dealing with my lunacy. :)

    The Immarcescible Word

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 8:26 PM

      Yes! Lunacy, I love it. I usually call myself crazy, insane, geeky, nerdy, or psychotic, but lunatic would work too.

      Delete
  32. Liz BlockerApril 3, 2014 at 6:59 PM

    What a lovely, sweet post! Your husband is lucky to have you, too - you're both blessed!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sarah FosterApril 3, 2014 at 7:09 PM

    Aww, you guys are too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Jocelyn RishApril 3, 2014 at 7:27 PM

    That's so amazing that you met your husband when you were sixteen. He definitely sounds like a keeper, and y'all are too adorable!

    Hope you’re having fun with the A to Z challenge,
    Jocelyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 8:33 PM

      *blushes* I think it's pretty cool we met so young too. That, or it was fate. ;)

      Delete
  35. klahanieApril 3, 2014 at 7:36 PM

    Hi human, Crystal,

    Oh no, not you also! This ridiculous challenge has meant I've been pawing away for over ten hours. Rather ironic considering how much I detest the darned thing! :)

    Such a magical love story. I thought C was for Cheese :)

    Penny, the pawsitive host of the Alphabark Challenge, 2014!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 8:48 PM

      =) You know you love it. You get your little paws all over the interwebs.

      Delete
  36. UnknownApril 3, 2014 at 8:09 PM

    He sounds like a gem and a keeper. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  37. S.P. BowersApril 3, 2014 at 8:51 PM

    What a lovely post! Congrats on finding a good one. Hope the rest of your lives are as good as what's already come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 9:02 PM

      We're not talking lifetimes here, we're talking eternity. ;)

      Delete
  38. UnknownApril 3, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    For a hard letter, you have some amazing choices. You did very nice for the letter C.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Karen LangeApril 3, 2014 at 9:34 PM

    I'm with the others - you did a great job with a hard letter. You sure are blessed! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousApril 3, 2014 at 10:16 PM

    Sounds like a great guy. Does he want to teach others, pass on that awesomeness? (Mine is good though. He has his moments where I shake my head, but for the most part, he's pretty darn good. LOL)

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, YA Author

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 3, 2014 at 10:38 PM

      He does the best he can to educate those around him on a regular basis, believe me. ;)

      Delete
  41. Leslie S. RoseApril 3, 2014 at 10:51 PM

    Sweetest post EVER. Perfect choice for "C"

    ReplyDelete
  42. Meradeth HoustonApril 3, 2014 at 11:26 PM

    What an adorable story!! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Susan KaneApril 3, 2014 at 11:30 PM

    Great love story!

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousApril 3, 2014 at 11:47 PM

    So sweet. I love how you two came together and great pics.

    ReplyDelete
  45. sjpApril 4, 2014 at 1:42 AM

    Naaawwwwwwww! Dishing icecream is definitely a make or break point ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 4, 2014 at 9:48 AM

      So true. It was the first thing that totally grabbed my attention.

      Delete
  46. Sheena-kay GrahamApril 4, 2014 at 2:41 AM

    I can see why you snagged him up. Sounds like a real CATCH. See what I did there?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Heather R. HoldenApril 4, 2014 at 4:42 AM

    Aww, this is so sweet! Glad you found someone so supportive and all-around great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Jules April 4, 2014 at 5:17 AM

    That's beautiful. What a Prince Charming :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Tasha Duncan-DrakeApril 4, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    I'm so glad you are married to your best friend and he sounds absolutely lovely. I wish continuing health and happiness.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 4, 2014 at 9:50 AM

      Thank you! It's definitely the best way to be--married to your best friend.

      Delete
  50. AnonymousApril 4, 2014 at 11:45 PM

    I love this! My husband is my high school sweetheart as well. I would say he is also my hero, but he isn't a "C" he is an "A", but we do have a cat, and that is a "C" although his name starts with a "B" so we have the first part of the alphabet! I am enjoying all of your posts A to Z posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal CollierApril 5, 2014 at 12:24 PM

      We'll take it. The whole alphabet of family heroes!

      Delete

Hit me with your cheese!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)