When the initial letter was received regarding my induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, needless to say I was taken back.

It further stated that I was to be honored as the 2011 recipient of the Medal of Courage. This is given annually to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome insurmountable challenges.

The award is intended for an individual who has persevered through their respective lives to the best of their ability. Apparently, I fit the bill, although I remained a bit skeptical about the entire procedure.

Additional correspondences with the NWHOF convinced me that it was indeed, real. Then last month friends from the River Valley held a send-off and it served to enhance my anticipation.

So, last Monday, Larry Gill, his son Brandon and yours truly departed for Stillwater, Okla. Of course, there were numerous trials and tribulations along the way because traveling by air can be and usually tests the fortitude of a human being.

We were met in Oklahoma City by our coach, Jerry Perkins, and then rode one hour on a bumpy highway that would rival Center Street in Auburn. The eastern part of the state is green and flat, however, every river and pond has red water because the dirt is entirely red.

The city of Stillwater has several interesting attributes, the first being that it encompasses the campus of Oklahoma State University. The Cowboys and Pistol Pete have been well taken care of by monies donated by billionaire T. Boone Pickens.

Country superstar Garth Brooks is an OSU graduate and his home still stands, as does the original Sonic Restaurant. Eskimo Joe’s watering hole is a favorite gathering venue, similar to Pat’s Pizza in Orono.

Things had been taken in stride. Tom Paradis who had been our assistant wrestling coach, had driven up from Texas and Dr. Ted Reese joined us. All of that changed when reality sunk in at the Honoree Plaque Presentations on Wednesday evening.

A door was unlocked and we entered a series of rooms filled with plagues and memorabilia. I immediately thought this is Cooperstown, N.Y. What an impressive sight with rows upon rows of cases displaying some of the greatest people in wrestling. There was an Olympian around every corner.

The only tie to Maine and River Valley was Steve Evanoff who received the Lifetime Achievement for Officials (1995).

The following night the Inductions Banquet was held at the OSU Alumni Center. Prior to being officially inducted, a five-minute film clip was shown on two big wide screens. I spoke to the crowd that I’m no different than any one else simply living life. People have said they don’t believe they could have gone on, if faced with a similar situation. I disagree, because human beings are capable of accomplishing extraordinary things. But remember to take a look around because there’s always someone worse off.

After getting up at 2 a.m. Friday, it was disheartening to arrive in Portland at 5 p.m. only to be told my wheelchair had been left in Chicago and our luggage was flown to Sknookyville, N.J. Fly the friendly skies …