I meant to post this entry a few days ago, but got sidetracked. Anyway, here is the entry I MEANT to post on January 26th...
Today there was a memorial held to honor the life of Joseph Vincent Paterno. Mickey and I watched it on TV due to his wisdom teeth extractions that took place earlier this afternoon (which is another story I will blog about sooner than later).
As the program started, so did the rush of emotions. I could not help but feel absolutely overwhelmed with love and respect for Joe Paterno and everything he did and stood for while at Penn State. Every speaker spoke of Joe's "grand experiment," which was the idea that athletes could and would be students first and foremost, while also winning football games. That with hard work and hustle, good things would happen. That one should only strive for success with HONOR.
He did not believe in cheating, short cuts, self pity, and he certainly did not believe in bragging about ones self. He was humble, kept both feet on the ground, gave God the glory for his success, and taught millions of people invaluable lessons, including people who had never met him.
I had the honor of shaking Joe's hand and having a photograph taken with him when Mickey graduated from Penn State. Joe stood on his feet for hours and took pictures with every single senior on the football team and their families. He took pictures with his star players, and his players who never stepped on the field. Besides the picture encounter, I would consider myself one of those people who never had the opportunity of personally speaking to Joe, but I learned many lessons from him.
Joe taught through his actions. He found value in every person and treated everyone the same, whether they helped his football team or not. One of his famous sayings was, "Believe deep down that you are destined to do great things."
Every person that spoke at Joe's memorial paid great tribute to Joe and his legacy. Each person said different things, but they all had a common thread. That Joe was an unremarkable man, a leader, and a hero.
One of my favorite speeches was from Phil Knight, Chairman of Nike. While every speech was absolutely wonderful and touching, Phil decided to hit the nail on the head and stand up for our beloved coach. Knight said, "it turns out (Paterno) gave full disclosure to his superiors, information that went up the chains to the head of the campus police and the president of the school. The matter was in the hands of a world-class university, and by a president with an outstanding national reputation." Knight added, "...this much is clear to me. If there is a villain in this tragedy, it lies in that investigation and not in Joe Paterno." He continued by asking, "Who is the real trustee at Penn State University?"
WOW!! Thank you Mr. Knight!!
He had the courage to say what needed to be said...what a guy. Phil Knight earned my utmost respect for standing up for his friend and our beloved Coach, who has done SO MUCH GOOD. Watch his speech by clicking below:
Phil Knight Speech
I could go on and on, but my eyes are puffy and my nose is stuffy...I guess I should end by saying that Penn State is so much more than a school, it is a family. And today, we lost the grandfather of our family. His legacy will forever live on in Penn Staters and at Penn State.
Here are some pictures that were circulating around Facebook...so neat :)
This picture was taken the night of Joe's death. He was definitely looking down over all of State College. Breathtaking!
