A short story about a very special young man I encountered at a recent book signing...

I went to a book signing in July 2007 at the Borders in Meriden and had the opportunity to meet a very special reader that I would like to tell you about.

Theresa, the lady in charge of book signings, had my table set up by the main entrance going into the mall. I had been at my signing for about a half an hour when a young boy and a man about my age came walking through the store heading for this mall entrance. The man didn’t seem to notice me but the boy smiled and gave me a polite nod, much like the way a cowboy would have nodded to a lady before tipping his hat. The difference here was this young man was no cowboy and he was not wearing a hat! Before I could comment on how cute I thought it was that the young man had done, they were gone.

About 15-20 minutes later, they came walking back through, heading this time from the mall entrance back into the Borders, likely heading towards the door at the back of the store which leads to the parking lot. Again, the man didn’t seem to notice me and the boy gave me another one of his adorable smiles. I wanted to say something to the man about how the boy's earlier nodding gesture tickled me, but they were about 15 feet away and I suddenly felt a little shy, so instead I looked at the boy and said, “Back again?” He said, “Yep” and smiled, saying nothing more. This time the man gave me a glance and, without breaking their stride, they continued on their way towards the back of the store. I figured I blew my chance to comment on the young man’s actions… they were probably going home.

About 30 minutes later they came walking through the store yet again, but this time it was different… They were walking down an aisle which was to my immediate right, heading directly towards me. Before I could say anything, the young man piped up, “We’re back again!”

I said, “I see that!”, to which he replied, “We’re coming to buy your book!”

After a brief conversation, I learned that this young man’s name is Connor, he is 10 years old, and he’s going into the 8th grade! The man with him just so happened to be his father, and he explained that he and his wife have home-schooled Connor. When I heard this, I looked at the father and said, “See what happens when you home school??” Of course I was teasing, but I must admit that I was VERY impressed with this young “smarty pants” standing before me. He was VERY well spoken and incredibly polite… meeting him just made my day. I will carry this with me for a long time…

To Connor I would like to say, you are an amazing young man and I am honored to have met you.

To Connor’s parents, as a parent, I commend you on the way you are raising your son, especially in today’s world. As an adult, I thank you for instilling respect and manners in him, which is such a rare find nowadays! It thoroughly warmed my heart to see those qualities in such a young (yet mature) boy.