I’m visiting an old friend with the Turning Points subject this episode. The old friend is Jim Thorpe. Jim was a Native American athlete back in the days when America was a little itchy about bloodlines of her “best.” And Jim Thorpe was America’s best. Even voted so by AP sportswriters in the 1950’s.
Jim actually predated me by a couple generations, but I sure felt like I knew him… Jim and Abe and Davy. My folks had a library in their airy house in Woodstock, Illinois. And the bottom shelf was lined with a series of Landmark biographies that this boy gobbled up… probably more than once. With six kids in the family, chores, school, friends, you wouldn’t think a ten-year-old would have much opportunity to squirrel away and read. But I found my time all right. And biographies were the perfect ticket: The life stories of people who persevered against all odds.
Not only was the action exciting, but it gave this boy insight into the manner in which other boys were raised and the challenges they faced. I remember reading a biography about Ben Franklin and being dazzled that he would get up at 4 am to study. So, for a few days I think I managed to crawl out of bed way too early, so I could catch up on the Vikings, or long division. I remember I did it long enough to capture the attention of my Mom who suggested a better schedule was in order. Funny how kids sometimes look to Mom and Dad for fine-tuning.
- Dave
