Penn Staters the world over are just sad sad sad at the news of Joe Pa's passing yesterday. Me included.
I had the priviledge of working for the Penn State Football program as an undergraduate, and the even greater honor of becoming close friends with his son Jay and his wife Kelley.
One Christmas, Jay and Kelley gifted me the book you see above. I treasured it then as I do now. I pulled it off the shelf yesterday and ran my fingers over those words. "To Katie, Thanks for all your help. - Joe Paterno"
No Joe. Thank you.
Though I know some will not view your legacy this way... I myself choose to remember you for the dedicated family man you were. For your devotion to a University you helped shape. For your expertise and honor on the football field. For your insistence on excellence from the young men who played for you, academically, athletically and otherwise. For you and Sue raising such wonderful kids in Diana, Mary Kay, David, Scottie and Jay.
It is said that Joe's father gave him the advice, "make in impact" when he chose a career in coaching over law school. And you delivered.
And your son, Jay and his wife Kelley did the same for me in my life. They made a huge impact on my days at Penn State, that I carried into adulthood. Carry still.
My heart goes out to all of them.
Your Penn State family is with you now and always.
amen. rest in peace joe.
Posted by: heidi | 01/23/2012 at 07:44 AM
Well-said. You will surely be missed. And you have left a POSITIVE legacy. <3
Posted by: stacy | 01/23/2012 at 02:06 PM