Today they held a memorial service for Joe Paterno at Penn State. The service was touching as different speakers shared their memories about JoePa. The thing that stuck out through all of them was the theme of his legacy. They talked about his values and his desire to see his players succeed not just on the field but in every part of their lives. That concern was shown to students who didn't even play football. His biggest accomplishment was not the 409 wins he had in football but how he lived his life and was a man of integrity. That is his legacy!
As people shared how he would not only have concern for how his players did both on and off the field, they pointed out how many lives he touched with his life. Their lives will touch their families and others that they interact with on a daily basis. JoePa was a man that believed in teaching others how to handle life no matter what the circumstances were. They talked about his values and how he kept them no matter what. I was glad to see how he is respected by so many. Even after he was treated like he was, he refused to be bitter. I recall how people were calling for his ouster when they struggled for wins. He kept his thoughts and feelings to himself and kept on doing what he thought was good for the program and the school. If he would not have been the man he was, he could have lashed out time and time again. But because he was JoePa, he did what he always did. He got dressed and took the field to play football. Was he disappointed when they lost? Sure but he never let that stop him from going on. God knows that we do not live lives that are free from pain and trials. But He also knows that we do not have to let them dictate to us how we live our lives. We have a heavenly Father that is always there for us no matter what comes along. God wants us to be like JoePa and keep going. He didn't create us to fail but to succeed in whatever He has for us to do!
I can't help but feel that watching a Penn State football game will ever be the same again. When I see the team take the field, I will think that JoePA is leading them out in spirit. But his memory will live on in the legacy that he has left for us. I look forward to seeing Beaver Stadium called Paterno Stadium! Thanks Joe for all the great memories over the years! As a sign at Penn State stated "We are because you were!" Go Penn State!
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