On Sunday, we walked up to the Joe Paterno statue around 1 p.m. It was very sad. And as much as I understand the point of the news and the media, they sure can ruin an atmosphere. It's tough to grieve when there's a microphone hanging out over the statue's head and cameramen yammering on and stomping around the candles and flowers and hats and photos and posters and people. It's ironic. They ruin the scenes they so desperately need to report on.
That morning, I checked my phone when I woke up to see if there was any news. None. I walked downstairs to take out the recycling and get the newspaper, and by the time I got back up, there were hoards of stories and updates about Joe's passing.
Coming from a Penn State family, I've known who Joe Paterno was my entire life and understand how much he's done for Happy Valley and Pennsylvania. I've never met him. I've seen him on his walks many times in my nine years in State College. But seeing all the people and hearing the stories really makes it clear. It's amazing how a guy can positively affect so many people he's never met.
I also appreciate that Joe was only in his mid-30s when he took the head coaching job. At a time when I fear the thought of settling down, he was just getting started. That's motivation to be better and to leave a lasting positive effect on other people when you can.
So, we move on. Joe is in all the headlines and front pages again, probably for one last time. For the most part, people were able to look past Joe's mistakes and appreciate the amazing things he was able to do in 85 years. The people who insist on being critical just don't understand. They don't know what Joe meant to the school, town, and state. They hang onto a mistake like it defines Joe's career. And they clearly don't have anything better to do.
I think I'll do my best to live like Joe Paterno. A family man who worked hard and cared about others. Imagine that. That description really demonstrates his old-fashioned ideals. It doesn't seem like family, caring, and hard work fit into most of today's society...at least at the popular culture level. But just like Joe was in 1950, I think it's a good time to be a game-changer.
