Inspired by BSD and armed with Joe's real address, I sat down last night and wrote a letter to him.  I just got home from mailing it.  I thought I would share it with you and potentially make this a thread for anyone else to share theirs if they felt inclined to do the same.  Thank you to those who posted much of the inspiration for it  - the Tennyson excerpt - and the address.   I don't know if he will ever actually read it, but it certainly was theraputic for me to write and send it as a show of support.

Fair warning, it contains religious content.  If you are offended by that, I won't apologize but will ask that you not read after the jump.  I'm not trying to make any kinds of controversy, but I am hoping it doesn't get banned or deleted.

Knowing Joe is a Catholic as I am, I mailed this in a Mass Card for healing which will remember him each week at mass for the next year in prayer for his full recovery.  The masses will be celebrated at the The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia.

Coach Paterno,

You don't know me or my family, but we are a few of the thousands of Penn State fans and alumni who you have motivated and inspired to live a better life : a life of impact.  Fifteen years ago, my wife and I met at Penn State and were married before my last year on campus.  Our daughter was born in my final school year and was baptized in the chapel at University Park.  We were blessed twice again with two boys over the next two years.  The bond my wife and I share - both together and with Penn State - cannot be broken by any earthly power.

The past two weeks have been exceptionally trying to say the least.  As we have prayed for the young victims of this horrible evil, we have also prayed for you.  We have prayed for your safety.  We have prayed for your health.  We have prayed for the vindication of your good name.  Please accept our continued prayers that the Good Lord will find it in his heart to give you the grace and strength to beat this disease, defend your legacy and set a shining example of love and compassion that the world can follow.

My family and I have been inspired to persevere by the words of Tennyson.  We leave them with you in the hopes that they will have the same effect for you.

"Though much is taken, much abides; and though

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, WE ARE;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

God Bless,

Jay Schumacher '98