We’re defined not by our failures, but by how we respond to themFor this week’s column, I’d like to direct readers’ attention to Dusty Antoine’s letter to the editor that appears on this page.When his letter first landed on my desk this week, I saw it as a personal apology for a somewhat isolated incident that didn’t have significant bearing on our broader readership.While his intent was noble, I thought Dusty was a bit hard on himself.… especially considering the way professional basketball players — not to mention coaches and fans — behave, … and especially considering the referee may have deserved a little scolding for marginal officiating (according to reputable sources).But it later occurred to me the letter’s worth publishing for reasons beyond Dusty’s own intentions.I’d argue that this teenager’s letter could be viewed as exemplary behavior that we as adults would do well to pattern in our personal and professional lives.In an era of no-fault accident insurance, civil lawsuits and dirty politics, public apologies these days are rare. Dusty’s raw admission of guilt and his earnest desire to right the wrong is refreshing by today’s standards of accountability.At only 17 or 18 years old, Dusty appears to understand a novel concept that seems to be escaping the rest of the world:We aren’t defined by our failures. We are ultimately known for how we respond to them and what we learn from them.Congratulations, Dusty, for reminding us of this. (And congratulations to the Luverne Cardinals for winning the hard-fought game that night.)Editor Lori Ehde can be contacted ateditor@star-herald.com.