Numbering some 800 volumes, the world's largest personal collection of books on football changed hands recently, donated to the home of the team where their late owner coached.  Only the institutional collections of the Football Hall of Fame and The Library of Congress are larger.

Their owner's son remembers how that collection was built: everywhere the father and son visited together they would rifle through old used bookstores searching for just the right gem and as many duplicates as they could find for the son.

The books were not just for show.  Read repeatedly and left lying about, the son had easy access to the greatest teachers the game had to offer.  And the father's knowledge eventually overflowed into a volume of his own about scouting techniques, adding both to the collection and to his influence on his son.

Who was the man who was so motivated to build this extensive and unique personal library?

Stephen Belichick, coach of Naval Academy. 

And of course his son was Bill Belichick who would become coach of the New England Patriots, win three Superbowls in four years, and would be acknowledged as one of the game's greatest coaches.

So what does the Superbowl have to do with homeschooling?

If the Belichicks could dedicate their lives to the chasing of pigskin and gloriously succeed, what passions are you instilling in the lives of your children?  Is there a library growing in your home around the core values you cherish?  (Not the list everyone else says you should have; but the one that reflects your own heart.)

Who knows where the passions of a father will take the son? 

• Post A Comment!

Comments

Feb. 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Thanks for this inspiring story! We must seek and find for all the glory! :)

• Permanent Link

Jul. 1, 2006 - Yes you can...

Posted by kidzmom3

What a great blogsite! So positve, creative and interesting. Mind if I add you to my friends list? Jackie

• Permanent Link