Open Letter to Sue Paterno

by iamkatemcg on Jan 23, 2012 1:24 PM EST

Since nobody reads the fanshots...

Here's a link to an open letter to Sue Paterno. The author does a fantastic job of saying what so many of us would like to say, but maybe can't articulate: http://onwardstate.com/community/dear-suepa/

I'm not sure what I can do...unlike Derry, I don't know the Paternos, so although I agree with everything the author wrote, the idea of being a shoulder to cry on is highly unlikely. So I've donated to both THON & Special Olympics PA in JoePa's name, sure, and signed petitions to restructure the board of trustees, vote for anyone other than Corbett, etc. But those just feel like short-term actions.

So today, I'm asking myself, "How can I have an impact?" Because I think using that as a guiding principle is how JoePa lived his life. If I can even make 1/100th of the difference that he did, I'll consider that a success. I'm not sure how it's going to happen, but (to paraphrase a great man), if I keep plugging away, good things will happen.

Anyway, thanks to everyone at BSD. You're an island of sanity.

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Very well said

That which we are, WE ARE...PENN STATE.
Forever.

by Nittany_Ryan on Jan 23, 2012 1:31 PM EST reply actions

I Agree Wholeheartedly

There must be a way we can start a fund drive to benefit some aspect of Penn State life that Coach would approve of, in addition to Special Olympics & Thon, and call it the Make An Impact Foundation (if that isnt already underway…).

I’d also like to offer my thanks and appreciation to my Penn State family on BSD who have been like a sanctuary to me over this very difficult period. On more than a few occasions at 2 in the morning I have logged on just to read the commentary and feel the deep respect so many of us share for Coach Paterno and the Penn State he spent a lifetime building. It has been immensely reassuring to know that there are legions of voices who refuse to let his lifetime of greatness be plowed under by those hell-bent on hate, blame, politics, and rating points.

by djm599 on Jan 23, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions

Talk with the people over at this post

BSD Donations to THON in Joe’s and Sue’s Names

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.
Erma Bombeck

by ComfortHePuHuTh on Jan 23, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

We're working on something for THON now.

But may have the opportunity to shift things. I like the idea of a Foundation.

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things." Joseph Vincent Paterno 1926-2012

Follow @Paige2PSU

by Paige2PSU on Jan 23, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

well, the Second Mile will need a replacement....

maybe have something also for child abuse victims

by The JuggerNitt on Jan 23, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions

I think ProudPSUforRAINN is already well established for that.

Maybe a rotating donation to THON/Special Olympics/RAINN or something else in consultation with SuePa.

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things." Joseph Vincent Paterno 1926-2012

Follow @Paige2PSU

by Paige2PSU on Jan 24, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

That

Would be a wonderful idea

by Deaver78 on Jan 26, 2012 11:39 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for sharing.

I should have read the fanshots.

I know this may sound stupid, but I’ve done all the things you listed as well – but I’m also challenging myself to try and do more. For years I have felt that I have the ability to help more people either around my church or by volunteering more around the community. I do some things now and then, but never a sustained commitment.

Joe’s passing is challenging me in a unique way to try and be more and do more this year and every year going forward. Just trying to make an impact somewhere.

.....that which we are, WE ARE;
One equal temper of heroic hearts

by SarcasmJam on Jan 23, 2012 2:56 PM EST reply actions

Me Too

Joe’s example, of always putting others before self, is something to which I think we can all aspire

by Keith Platt on Jan 23, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks guys

I know what you mean SarcasmJam…I really debated putting this up with the same thoughts (what if this sounds cheesy/stupid?). And I agree with you on challenging myself to do more.

by iamkatemcg on Jan 23, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

That's what's so heart-breaking about the media's handling of this...

To 17 kids, he was a grandfather. To 5 people, he was a dad. And to one IMMENSELY strong woman, he was a husband. I can’t stand to see the things written or said over the last 3 months, but I can’t begin to comprehend the pain that they are experiencing.

God gives us only that which we can bear. What better tribute, then, not only to Joe, but to his family. Who among us could shoulder the weight that he and his family have been asked to shoulder?

God bless them and give them the strength in this difficult time.

by Spats on Jan 23, 2012 3:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

23 Incredible People Worthy, Without A Doubt, Of ALL God's Best!

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.
Erma Bombeck

by ComfortHePuHuTh on Jan 23, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed. They are incredible people.

I reached out a family member that I had contact with a few years back when the scandal broke out to offer some comfort and let them know I was thinking about all of them and Joe and that we all loved them. The e-mail I received back provided me with more comfort and hope than I gave to them. I almost felt selfish that they comforted me in a time that was obviously so heartbreaking for their family.

I cried for his family more in the past few days than anything else. We lost someone we looked up to greatly, but they lost their beloved family patriarch to cancer and had to face constant media strife during that very private, sad time. I truly do not know how they managed. They are a huge testament to everything Joe tried to instill in people.

by mleepsu08 on Jan 23, 2012 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Exactly as I would imagine from a Paterno!

Thank you for sharing this with us, mleepsu08 diva!

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.
Erma Bombeck

by ComfortHePuHuTh on Jan 23, 2012 8:22 PM EST reply actions

reply fail

in response to Agreed. They are incredible people.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.
Erma Bombeck

by ComfortHePuHuTh on Jan 23, 2012 8:23 PM EST up reply actions