Saturday, April 19, 2014

True Heroes A to Z: Yes, I do have a Q!

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.

uin Collier. Yes, we share a last name, because this is actually my son. Is it crazy that I could look up to my 13 year old? Well, I do.

My father was a doctor, and when he saw Quin's early development, he promised this kid was going to be very bored in school. It shouldn't have been any surprise that he came to me when he was 3 and said, "I want to learn how to read."

My response, "Uh, okay. We'll work on that."

And we did. In fact, we began homeschooling right then and never stopped. He burned through first and second grade in a matter of 4 months. He read the entire Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price by the age of 8. He has always had a way with words, and astonished people with his way premature wisdom.

Despite all this, I don't look up to my son because he's a quick learner. I adore him because he sees something good or worthy and goes after it. He weighs every decision against what he should do, what he wants to do, and what would be best for those around him. How can a 13 year old be that mature?

I look up to my Quin Monster because he wants to be good. He wants to do what's right. He wants others to know they're important and loved, even to self sacrifice. His desires motivate me to be a better person.


The end is nigh. MOONLESS will only be on sale at $1.99 a few more days. There is one character somewhat similar to my son in the book.

EXCERPT:


Miles sighed. A long silence stretched, light glinting off the peg in his hand. “I remember the butterfly, golden wings, black spots. That’s how I know it was summer in Wilhamshire.” He stilled, focusing on the bauble turning over in his fingers. “We were passing through, not staying, just passing, traveling late on foot.” The bolt twisted back and forth in his grasp, gaining momentum. “Dark overtook us. They cornered us on the outskirts, moments away from safety. We ran, but in the end . . .” He released the fastener and it twirled to a halt. “My parents didn’t make it. They fended them off while I escaped.”

Alexia hugged herself.

“But they left a scar.” He scowled. “And I’ve been running ever since.”


Do you know any young people who inspire you? Do you have any heroes who are children or teens? What have you learned from kids around you?

Oh, and Happy Easter!

108 comments:

  1. Cool dude! He kind of looks like one of the Blues Brothers... on a mission from God!

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    1. LOL! He was going for Men in Black, but close enough. =)

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  2. What a wonderful accolade to a wonderful son.

    Yes, I know a lot of younger people who inspire me. My sons are two of them. They are absolute opposites yet are both caring, wonderful human beings.

    Stopped off to visit from A-Z...

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    1. Isn't that amazing how different kids from the same parents can be? It always astonishes me.

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  3. How sweet to feature your son:) My thirteen yr old son is getting the spotlight on Monday! In your excerpt, I like the scar. It implies so much;)

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    1. Yay! Can't wait to read about him.

      (Ah, the ominous scar... ;)

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  4. Crystal, you are right, your son is a true hero who will do good in this world. Sometimes very smart people become single-minded and focus on just one thing, which often makes the world a better place, like a great invention, a new vaccine, etc. Reading this, it feels like your son will figure a way to spread goodness all around where it is needed most. A great tribute to a great kid.

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    1. I think he will. Both my husband and I have always felt that way, and it's going to be interesting to watch.

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  5. He's way ahead of where I was at that age. (And probably every age up until thirty-something!) What a remarkable lad you have there.

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  6. Hello, Quin! :)

    It's not crazy at all that you look up to your thirteen-year-old son. I look up to my eight and six year old nephews for their energy, imagination, and amazing outlook on life.

    I love that your son wanted to read at three. He certainly does sound like one amazing boy. :)

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  7. I look at my ids as heroes, too. Every good hero needs a mentor. :)

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  8. Quin Monster. ^_^
    That's awesome. He sounds like a great kid and you've done well by him. My mom told me that she thought about homeschooling me. I was bored in school. Probably why I got myself in so much trouble. I got a lot of reading done during school hours though. ;-)

    Ooh, love the way Miles tells his story. ^_^
    Happy Easter to you!

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    1. My mom thought about home schooling me too, but she ended up doing it with my younger siblings...and I got to tutor them through it.

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  9. What a smart boy you have, Crystal. He reminds me of my nephew, Jonathan - exactly the same age and very well read too!

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  10. Love the picture he's so handsome! I think all of us admire our kids and think of them as heroes. It's amazing to watch them grow and turn into a little adults. He definitely is a very bright child. Hopefully he can take all that knowledge and use it for something magnificent when he grows up! Great post! If you get a chance check out my Q post. Oh and your snippet sounds amazing! I'm still trying to win a copy so I can read it!
    http://brokenwings1313.blogspot.com/2014/04/q-is-for-quippet.html

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  11. Children are so special for so many reasons! How lucky to have one so special in your own home! Sounds like his mom is pretty special too. Enjoy, A-Z!
    --Alicia

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    1. *blushes* I am definitely blessed with special children. =)

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  12. I love it when kids show a good example, not only for other children, but for adults as well. The perspective a child has is as unique and important as that of an adult. We can all learn from each other. :)

    The Immarcescible Word

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    1. I totally agree. Kids have such a power to influence the adults around them.

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  13. Wow, your son does sound like a really fast learner! Good for him. :) Fun to see kids eager to learn. And HAPPY EASTER to you too!

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  14. Quinn sounds wonderful but as a teacher and parent, I believe kids are terrific by accident. You must have done a great job. He sounds like the kind of young man who appreciates that also.

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    1. *blushing* He definitely expresses his thanks on a regular basis, but I think it's mostly because he sees what he could have been had we done things differently.

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  15. Right now I live in a world of late 20's-early 30's cityfolk, and it's laughably rare that I have a real conversation with anyone outside that age range right now, except I suppose my parents when I decide to be a good son and actually call (not often enough I know). But: last weekend I had the pleasure of mentoring at an event for middle schoolers and high schoolers, and I was impressed by the ambition I saw in some of them. Very refreshing! Thanks for your nice post :)

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    1. Sometimes those older folks are very child-like, and I ADORE them. Seriously. So much wisdom and experience locked in a single package.

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  16. I hear the pride in your writing voice, Crystal, the love and emotion. How very wonderful that a parent looks up to her son. Like the commenter above, I think it's a mixture of genes and teaching. Congrats to you!
    Silvia @
    SilviaWrites

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    1. I personally think it's all him, but we try our best, right?

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  17. I don't think it's crazy that you look up to your son; I think it's beautiful.

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  18. It's so good that you saw his interest and helped him pursue it. That makes you a hero, too.

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  19. I agree with the comments made, and ditto the last 2 as I feel that you are a beautiful hero too for helping your son. The post is lovely and so genuine as it's filled with loving pride for your child.

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  20. Your son sounds like a great man in the making. Kudos to you :) And Happy Easter!
    ~Katie

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  21. Hi human, Crystal,

    Oh yes, on "Q", this here superstar dog has arrived. Yay and arf! Your beloved son, a reflection on you and I would say mutual respect. High paws and happy Easter to you and your loved ones, my human friend.

    Pawsitive wishes,

    Penny, the friendly host of the Alphabark Challenge! )

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  22. Sounds like you have an amazing son. Keep nurturing him! =D

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, YA Author

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  23. He sounds like a super smart young man. I can't imagine homeschooling. You're both teacher and mom! I'm in awe.

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  24. I can relate to Quin, having been a very advanced young reader myself. I remember the longterm substitute we had in 4th grade, during our teacher's maternity leave, giving me The Witch of Blackbird Pond from the classroom library and saying how hard it must be when you've already read almost all the books in the classroom and read so far above your age.

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    1. I know! He was reading classics at the age of 8. (Think Dickens and Mark Twain.)

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  25. Hi Crystal,
    Great post about a wonder kind! :-)
    Yes, he is really praiseworthy.
    Keep it up my boy Quin's. May God Bless.
    My younger son Mat can very well relate him
    in some ares.
    Have wonderful week.
    Season's Greetings
    ~ Philip

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    1. That's awesome about Mat! Bright kids really give you hope for the future, eh?

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  26. Awe Crystal this is such a beautiful thing to write about your son... he sounds so amazing, that is wonderful.

    I hope you have an amazing Easter ♥

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  27. What a bright boy you have! A wonderful gift to love reading so early. Thanks for popping in my blog - chicken pot pie today. :-) I'm in Florida too! I also write for the Mormon Mommy Writers blog twice a month. We're almost done with the a-z!

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    1. *high five* Here's to Floridians and Mormon Mommy Bloggers! (I almost squeezed myself in as one of the writers about 3 years ago, but decided against it with to keep myself sane.)

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  28. I'm glad he is your hero. He sounds like an awesome boy and he has a great mom who taught him to read at three and I'm sure has helped him to love books and learning.

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    1. By example, right? He's seen so many books in my hands...

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  29. Quin sounds like a great kid! What an amazing learner he is and it sounds like he has a kind heart to go with his intelligence. :) So mature!

    Happy Easter!
    Jess

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    1. I know! Kindness and smarts. He's got a bright future.

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  30. Quin sounds like an awesome kid! Children with a thirst to learn will always go far.

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  31. He sounds amazing.

    Happy Easter to you too. :-)

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  32. Wow! Your son sounds amazing! And lovely name! God bless him and future!

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  33. I'm impressed with all that your son's accomplished at such an early age! And the best part, is that Quin's such a good person! What more could a mother ask for?

    Julie

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  34. He sounds like a wonderful boy. Must be a privilege to raise him.

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  35. Quin sounds like a wonderful boy. I'm very impressed with his accomplishments. Happy Easter.

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  36. Yes Saturday blogging an extra effort as is Q. We often do not hear the positive stories of young folks. Visiting from Alberta Canada A_Z... http://bonnieupnorth.xanga.com/

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    1. It's true. We just hear the stupid or silly things they do.

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  37. Very sweet, and such a nice looking young man. How cool he fit your Q....often one of toughest letters to find something to write about. I'm still stuck on Y...and beginning to run out of time. Have a few ideas....one's pretty lame, but it might be the one that wins the cheese. lol
    Sandy at Traveling Suitcase

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    1. I'm sending virtual cheese to help speed your decision and inspiration!

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  38. I wish I was that mature now, at mumble mumble years old. :)

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
    Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
    The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge

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  39. Quin sounds amazing and mature!

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  40. He sounds like a fabulous young man. I love coming across mature youth.

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  41. This is a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing.

    BTW, I am a huge fan of cheese, too.

    Yvonne

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  42. Quin sounds like a Godsend! You are truly blessed.

    Today, for the first time, I watched an episode of The Bible and plan to consume every single episode I can find. :)

    If he was going for Men in Black, let him know that my husband could win a look alike contest with Tommy Lee Jones.

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  43. This is sweet! He sounds like a remarkable person.

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  44. He sounds like a lovely sweet boy, well done, because that has to be your example. My god daughter is an inspiration, she is highly intelligent and so very caring. I wish I got to see her more, but her family moved to the US so she's on a different continent these days.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)
    FB3X - AtoZ (Erotic Drabbles)

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    1. That's so hard, being away from loved ones. I hope you keep in touch with her.

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  45. Dear Crystal, I look up to Quin Collier too!

    Many times, children & young people can inspire us beyond what we think we are capable of ... so they are our heroes & heroines ... if we can believe like children do ... for things that matter & good, our lives will be much happier :)

    I would also love to learn more about home-schooling from you.

    Have a Blessed Easter 2014 !

    ServicefromHeart.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh my. Homeschooling... That's a can of worms. I mean, I've written almost an entire novel about it to friends who've asked. Email me if you'd like to know some thing specific.

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  46. I was very impressed t read about your boy ! looks like a passionate reader ! Belated wishes for Easter ! thanks for sharing !

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    1. Thanks, Angela. Passionate readers are the best.

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  47. Wow, your son sounds so amazing, not to mention admirable! No wonder you look up to him... :)

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    1. Yeah, I usually have a reason for those kinds of things. ;)

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  48. I look up to my Quin Monster because he wants to be good. He wants to do what's right. He wants others to know they're important and loved, even to self sacrifice. His desires motivate me to be a better person.

    I love this description. Quin sounds simply amazing.

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    1. He is simply amazing. (Which is why I'm not letting him read this post, because I don't want his head getting too large.)

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  49. Parenting done right! Children are often a reflection of their parents, and your son sounds like he's well on his way to being a great man.

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Hit me with your cheese!