This is my first FanPost so I'll keep this brief and to the point, however self-therapeutic reasons I wanted to share this with everyone. Let me begin by stating I am 38 yrs old, have a wonderful wife and daughter and have yet to have the honor of graduating from PSU (served in military including Iraq as an Infantry Team Leader).

Last month, I made the 12 hour drive from Georgia to Happy Valley in a quest to locate JVP's final resting spot, finally meet him, and paying my respects. After spending countless hours researching and inquiring with some of the locals, I did indeed locate Coach. While kneeling and praying, I promised Coach that I would one day graduate from PSU (had to be through the World Campus program due to geographical difficulties). So, once I returned home, I applied.

To wrap this up, I was admitted to the hospital over the weekend with intestinal issues. Since being previously diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from my time serving in Iraq and being out of work on medical leave since December, I sat there in the hospital room contemplating my future (not only for myself but for my family). On Saturday morning, my wife and daughter arrived to the hospital with some goodies...one of which was a letter from the Admissions Office. I remember saying to myself, "oh dear God, not another rejection in my life to deal with." To my dismay, the letter began with, "Congratulations on your acceptance to Penn State!" Tears of joy ran down my face staring at that letter and not believing I was formally accepted into the family!

My daughter (she's 11) followed up with a home made card she had crafted and in part it read, "I am very proud of you, Daddy and you will be able to keep your promise to Coach Paterno. Remember daddy, Success with Honor!"

For those currently experiencing life's challenges, please keep your "head up" and know eventually, things will work out!