Joe Paterno: Photos of How Happy Valley Is Dealing with the Death of a Legend

We all grieve in different ways. Some of us get angry. Some of us get overwhelmed with sadness. Some of us respond with love and support, and some of us just want it all to go.

No matter how you grieve, there's no denying that it's a long and arduous process. A process that for everyone in Happy Valley, began late Saturday night into Sunday morning when news of their beloved Joe Paterno's passing first came to light.

Losing a loved-one, a role model and a hero is never an easy process, but the one thing we must all do is figure out how to come to terms with it ourselves. Don't let the media tell you how to grieve, and don't let them tell you how to remember Joe Paterno.

Here is a photographic presentation of how those at Penn State are coping with the loss of Paterno and how they are finding ways to remember the legendary coach, mentor and friend.

Leaving the Lights on in "The House That Joe Pa Built"

The administration at Penn State decided to honor Joe Paterno by leaving the lights on in "The House that Joe Pa Built" as a way to remember his incredible contributions to Penn State as a football coach and as a humanitarian.

The light shining on the field does a great job of instilling the truth that Paterno's legacy at Penn State will always shine on every football player and person that walks into Beaver Stadium.

Candlelight Vigil on the Steps of Old Main

In an incredible turnout on Sunday night, Penn State students and fans of all kinds turned out to show their support and care for Paterno and his family on the steps of Old Main on Penn State's campus.

Old Main is the University's administration building, which makes the poignant show of support for Paterno that much more meaningful.

Candlelight Recreation of Paterno and His Famous Look with His 1960s Glasses

If you've ever seen Joe Paterno, you've undoubtedly seen his incredible retro glasses that look like they came straight out of the 1960s. Paterno's iconic look was recreated with candles on the steps of Old Main on Penn State's University Park campus.

An impressive artistic representation of Paterno's look reminds us all of the face that became the foundation of Penn State's football program.

One Final Penn State "Whiteout" in the House That Paterno Built

"Whiteouts" are a major part of Penn State football. They represent the unity that exists in the storied football program, and they represent the legacy that Paterno has left, one rooted in the idea of "team" before individual performance.

It's touching that on the night of Paterno's passing, there was one more whiteout for him in the house that he built

Beautiful View of Beaver Stadium Lighting Up the Winter Sky in Honor of Paterno

The administration, mainly encouraged by student petition, decided to leave the lights on at Beaver Stadium to honor the passing of the school's legendary coach.

The way the light fills the winter sky reminds us all of how the legendary head coach filled our hearts with so much joy and love for Penn State.

Signs, Candles and Flowers Showing the Support for the Paterno Family

While Joe Paterno was an incredbly important to Penn State, we must all remember that he was also a father and a dad, and the griveing that the Paterno family is going through is a much more painful one. 

Showing support by bringing signs, candles and flowers to the statue is a great way to show the Paterno family that we all care and that we are all here to support them through this hard time.

Personal Re-Posting of Paterno Moments on Facebook

This is a personal photo that was taken as nothing more than a goofy picture back in the summer of 2006, but it perfectly fits the sentiments that I have for Paterno.

All over Facebook, Penn State fans, students and alumni alike are posting old photos of their beloved coach to show just a piece of the memories he helped create. 

Creative Expressions for Joe Pa

This picture, featured at www.philly.com, is an example of the artistic creations that people are coming up with to help remember the beloved Paterno.

Death is never easy, no matter who it is, and the thought of Paterno being in pain no longer and being reconnected with loved ones who've gone on before him is a reassuring one for everyone going through the grieving process.

The House That Joe Pa Built Lights Up the Sky Just as Paterno Lit Up Our Lives

No matter what your personal views on Paterno are, there's no doubting the fact that his life impacted millions upon millions of people.

The light that shines above Beaver Stadium symbolizes the life that Paterno lived and the fact that his legacy and legend will continue to shine bright in Happy Valley.

Creation of Tribute/Montage Videos Showing Respect for Joe Pa

Fans for years have been putting together montages of the famed head coach, remembering the most famous moments of his storied career.

The ABC/ESPN montage included in this slide consistently brings tears to my eyes because it perfectly shows how Paterno lived and breathed to promote the values he instilled in Penn State as a university and a football program.

Respect for a Legacy That Will Never Die

All sorts of custom Paterno creations are popping up all over the Internet, focused on remembering the legacy of Joe Paterno and the values that he instilled into the lives of those he came into contact with.

Joe Paterno lived a life that impacted millions upon millions of people, and that is the kind of life we should all strive to live.

Live a life that will be remembered. Live a life that impacts and changes those around you.