In our 2002 edition of the New Webster Dictionary, the third listed definition of impact was defined as “A powerful influence.” This word is found on page 355. On page 55 in our phone book, lists the address and phone number of Joseph V. Paterno.
Who would have guessed that 300 pages, in two very different books, would be linked together so well? I thought that in reflecting on Joe Paterno’s life, rather than the usual numbers that are thrown into every conversation or written article of the 61 years coaching, 46 of those years head coaching at PSU and his record-setting 409 victories, I would incorporate other numbers.
By now, we all know that JoePa was from Brooklyn, N.Y., went to Brown University and then spent from the age of 23 on in Happy Valley.
I have lived in the Centre Region my entire life. Born in Lock Haven, Pa., attending school in Williamsport and then here at Penn State, working, living, raising my family here in State College and now residing in Boalsburg.
The events of this past week and a half support both Joe and my decision of why we chose to live here and stay here. I was in attendance for three different sporting events last Saturday — fencing, indoor track and tennis, where not only the players but some of the officials were wearing a patch displaying ‘JVP’. You must make one heck of an impact to influence not only your own football team but other teams at this university as well.
I had many thoughts on what to put in this week’s column. At one point I was going to just write as many names, one after another, who have been touched and impacted by Joe Paterno, but my column isn’t allowed to be THAT long.
And then I thought I would write out the conversation I had last week with one of the lettermen who returned to pay his respect to his former life coach, starting from, at first, how sad he was, but then how that sadness quickly turned into a wonderful night of reminiscing with other lettermen, sharing stories of their beloved coach.
I thought about mentioning the very few (as he was usually at a much warmer location preparing for a bowl game with his team) Christmas Eve masses we were both in attendance with our families and how ordinary and gentle his demeanor was during those services.
I could’ve written about all of the gifted tributes and written messages that I saw when visiting Joe’s statue late last Wednesday night.
I could’ve written so many things, in so many ways about this man. With all the news coverage, articles, conversations, opinions, revelations, thoughts, information and misinformation surrounding Joe Paterno’s legacy, integrity and passing, it has been very challenging for me to choose how to express my own feelings.
And then I realized, the best thing to do has nothing to do with what I write in my column but what I hope do everyday — be positive and respectful, act through love, and enjoy every moment with family and friends and strangers alike.
You do not have to be a coach to teach, scholar to learn or a father to love. Thank you, Joseph V. Paterno, for impacting the lives of so many, way more than the number of names in that phone book we are both listed in.
