Joe Paterno's Sons Thank Supporters

Yesterday I brought my ill and very weak 85-year old mother home from WA state to CA. It’s the time of her life where very tough decisions need to be made, and I see the pain in her eyes about losing her freedom. It is very sad. Very.
Today I read about the passing of Joe Paterno (a few weeks younger than my mother), and it has bothered me all day.
I have no affiliation with Penn State. I went to the University of Washington – far enough away that I know little about the Penn State legacy, but obviously, I know who Joe Paterno was.
We all feel sick about the child molestation issues that blew apart the Penn State family this year. I can only imagine how the students, coaches, alumni and hard core fans must feel.
When Joe tried to control the process as it affected him, and said he’d leave at the end of the year, like many, I knew he would not have that chance.
When I heard he had lung cancer, I looked at my wife and son, and told them he would not last more than a couple of months.
Lung cancer did not kill Joe Paterno. I understand all too well how horrible a diagnosis is like this, having lost my own father to cancer 12 years ago at only 72-years old.
However, like my father who was forced to stop working, when Joe was let go (in a very classless manner in my opinion), the mental stress that went along with a man who was more concerned about his legacy than anything (again, as with my father), it rapidly took over his body as a whole. Joe lost his identity – it was Penn State.
If he was still coaching, or retired last year, I personally think he may still be with us.
I am not blaming anyone but the sick bastard who tarnished a top-level program (sure I know he has not been charged, but let’s be real folks – JL is a sick man, and caused more damage to so many others than we’ll ever know).
Joe loved his team, students and school. He reported the incident to his superiors, wished he had never been told about it, and mentally ‘willed it away’ until things surfaced 2 months ago. Should he have done more? I am not qualified to say, but Joe himself said he wished he had.
In the end, there are no winners in this situation.
I feel sorry for Joe’s son, and saw him cry when being asked about his dad when he coached his last game. He made me cry, as I was just as close to my father. We only have one father.
Joe had a great life, served his country, and made positive influences to thousands of student athletes.
Let’s all remember this.
I hope he is at peace now – he certainly was not at peace since this whole disaster started, and obviously it shortened his life.
My best wishes to Joe’s family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Max