Warden senior teaches us all to be grateful for what we have

The NFL player’s stance on taking a knee during the national anthem in public protest to perceived excessive force by police officers against minorities created a national firestorm, some for, some against.

Taking a knee has become the symbol of defiance and their voice of protest against racial injustice.

I had a chance to stand back and observe another form of taking a knee Friday night in Warden where 12 seniors were playing their final home football game. Athletes taking a knee in silent prayer is certainly nothing new, but for some reason this quiet form of respect for the one that created us all was fascinating to me.

Cougar wide receiver Edgar Alba waited until the national anthem was finished. As his teammates gathered for the pre-game pump, he silently knelt and bowed his head on the sidelines. I’m always a little skeptical of public displays of faith and those who feel a need to wear their faith on their shirtsleeve. Oral Roberts telling us that God will take him home if we don’t donate to the church comes to mind.

Even though Alba’s silent tribute was done in front of the Cougar faithful, in full view of tailgaters and teammates alike. I doubt anyone noticed. It could have taken a minute, or 10 seconds, when he was done he crossed himself and pointed to the stars and stood.

I have no idea whether he was pointing to the Creator or ancestors that have left this world, but he did it so naturally it reminded me we should all be so grateful for opportunities. I have this philosophy: "If you’re not grateful for what you have, why should God give you more?"

Alba’s all of 5-foot-8, 245 pounds. Odds are, his football career ends with the season and this was the final time he'd play in front of the hometown fans. As he stood, he seemed at peace and played with clarity.

Warden head coach Robert Arredondo moved Alba from safety to cornerback as Riverview moved into the red zone for first-and-goal. The 5-foot-nuthin’ senior made a play on fourth-and-goal to deny a touchdown. On a night that came down to the Cougars scoring on fourth-and-4 with time running out, Alba’s play on the ball back in the first quarter was just one of several, but certainly played a role in a victory on Senior Night.

As if he needed a little icing on the cake, Alba came down with a last-ditch pass by Riverview quarterback James Osburn and returned it to the house. It was negated by a block in the back, but weaving his way down the sideline for the score was his final act on the home field.

God won’t straighten out your tee shot or cure your mom of cancer, but I think we can all do a better job of thanking him for what we have.

Alba’s humble act was a nice reminder.

Rodney Harwood is a business/sports reporter for the Columbia Basin Herald and can be reached at 509-765-4561 Ext. 111 or businessag@columbiabasinherald.com.