I was reading an article today about Joe Pa's passing and was saddened not only by the loss of a Penn State legend, but of the people who are saying things like, "he deserved to die" and "molester". While Joe Pa made some detrimetal decisions along the way (and I agree, he did), his legend, dedication, loyalty to PSU, and to making PSU a place that means family is untouchable. I can watch footage of any Penn State "white out" game and be brought to tears to this day. The passion, the excitement, the love. He built that football family. I hope that in the days following people will pour out their love for the Paterno family and take some time out from judging. Joe Paterno was indeed the head football coach, but he also was the apple of his wife's eye- the love of his life still clearly- the father of five kids, and grandfather of seventeen. While the PSU community mourns, I'm reminded of a few things.
Penn State is a strong family, through and through. From students to alum to Pennsylvania residents, facebook, twitter, the news, ESPN lit up with quotes and stories and love.
The scientist side of me can't help but focus on the fact that heartbreak and stress is almost as a hard a battle to fight as cancer. Putting both together is a big mountain to climb, even for a man like Joe Pa.
Cancer sucks. Pediatric cancer, adult cancer, geriatric cancer, hepatoblastoma, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma, neuroblastoma. I don't care what you call it. It causes loss and pain and sadness. It's not any surprise to me that the Paterno family is asking that donations be sent to IFC/Panhellenic PSU Dance Mara THON. I hope this year THON raises more money than ever in honor of Joe Pa's dedication to always showing up during those
"Believe, deep down in your heart, that you are destined to do great things"
-Joseph Vincent Paterno 1926-2012
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