COMMENTARY: Standing strong in the face of adversity

COMMENTARY: Standing strong in the face of adversity 

By Keno Sultan

Stark County Prep Press writer 

www.starkcountypreppress.blogspot.com

DOVER--Sometimes things happen for a reason. We wonder why.

So many emotions engulf the human soul whether it is grief, sorrow, sadness, anger, confusion and so on. Those emotions can eventually lead to anyone having an arduous time in life before they get back on the track to normalcy.

This week, the cities of Dover and Minerva have had to endure unexpected adversities that have encompassed their respective areas. Not getting into specifics but the key here is that as human beings, courtesy and respect are to be displayed in a time that is needed most, not to mention thoughts, prayers, care, love, care and compassion for those affected.

Even the respective football opponents of the Tornadoes and Lions respectively, Ashland and Alliance have or will be paying their respects this week to the communities.

There comes a time when we are all excited for a football game. Yes, both Dover and Minerva will engage in competition with Ashland and Alliance this Friday night. But this week is not about football. This week is about honoring the communities and residents who are enduring the challenge of attempting to return to normalcy. 

Sons and daughters of mothers and fathers will need not just the support of their parents but also their aunts and uncles along with grandparents who will need to wrap their arms around them. Educators and administrators will need to be there to wrap their arms around their students while also being parents to their respective sons and daughters. Coaches will have to wrap their arms around their student-community-athletes while also being parents to their sons and daughters too.

If you are going to Crater Stadium or Hines Stadium, please have some compassion in your heart for the individuals who have been stricken with adversity. Think about what you can do to display your support. Think about a time where you faced adversity and how persons were there for you and let that be the vista for you to be there for a Dover or Minerva resident that is going through this very difficult moment.

Emotions are understandably high right now and raw. It's OK to be hurt. It's OK to cry. It's OK to be confused, upset, angry, and so on. That's OK and part of being a human being. But what is not OK is blaming the entire school district and going off of visceral emotion. That is not OK.

I urge those of the Dover and Minerva communities to take advantage of the resources available if they need to talk. There are educators, administrators, coaches, counselors, family, friends, and anyone willing to listen. I am doing my part to assist as well. If anyone from those communities need to talk, I too am here and don't hesitate to contact me anytime at 330-445-4575. I will be at Crater Stadium on the field Friday also if anyone wants to talk before I go up in the pressbox. 

I am here for both communities. Don't hesitate to contact me if needed.

Sometimes things happen for a reason. We wonder why. But to the residents of Dover and Minerva, we love you and we are here for you. We share in your adversity. We go into the thunderstorm with you And we will come out of the storm victorious, united as one heartbeat and love.

Keno Sultan is a writer for Stark County Prep Press. He can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.