Sad new for Penn state: won’t play again

It’s never easy to come to terms with the end of something meaningful, especially when that thing has been part of your life for a long time. Today, I find myself reflecting on a piece of news that I never thought I would hear: “Won’t play again.” Those three words hit me harder than I expected. It’s the kind of news that lingers in your mind, quietly pulling at the heartstrings, reminding you of the things that have been lost.

When something we love ends, it leaves a void. We think we’ll be able to handle it, but in reality, we can never fully prepare for the finality of an ending. Whether it’s the cancellation of a favorite show, the end of a sports career, or the conclusion of a long-standing tradition, the closure feels abrupt, as if the world around us has shifted in ways we never anticipated. We expect that what we enjoy will always be there, until it isn’t.

In this case, the news relates to a particular form of entertainment I’ve enjoyed—something that has brought me a sense of connection and joy. It’s always strange to imagine a world without that one thing you could rely on for a sense of escape, camaraderie, or challenge. A world that’s now missing something that once felt like an integral part of life. The thought of it not continuing seems almost impossible to process at first, and it’s hard to imagine how things will look going forward. How do we adapt? How do we move on?

The announcement of something “not playing again” is more than just an end to an activity; it’s the end of a journey. It’s the closure of a chapter that had its own unique moments—those moments that made you laugh, think, and sometimes even grow. It’s the countless hours spent in anticipation, the community that developed around it, the milestones that felt like personal victories. All of those experiences suddenly feel distant, and the reality that it won’t continue becomes more palpable.

For some, this end marks the opportunity to find something new. It’s a chance to discover other forms of entertainment, hobbies, or pursuits that could bring the same joy or fulfillment. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s hard to let go of something that’s been a part of your routine or passion. Even as we look forward, we can’t help but feel the weight of what’s been lost.

At the same time, there’s something valuable in accepting that things come to an end. It teaches us that nothing lasts forever and that change is inevitable. These endings, though painful, allow for new beginnings. Perhaps it’s time to find something else to pour our energy into or to let ourselves explore other avenues that we had not considered before. Maybe, in some way, it’s the universe’s way of making room for something even more meaningful to take its place.But for now, we can only acknowledge the sadness that comes with the loss. The world feels a little quieter today, as we come to terms with the fact that something we loved will no longer be part of our lives in the same way. The silence left in its wake is heavy, but it’s a reminder that everything, even the things we enjoy, eventually fades. We say goodbye, even if it’s hard to do so, and we hope that, eventually, we find new things to fill the void.

For now, we can only reflect on the memories it gave us, and maybe, with time, we will find the strength to move forward.