Bob McPhee returned last month from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with a lifetime of memories and a damaged wheelchair the airlines initially lost.
"After getting up at 2 a.m. (in Stillwater, Okla.), 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 Snookyville, N.J.," wrote McPhee in an email.
McPhee, you may remember, lost his ability to walk and talk after a brain stem injury suffered while playing football for Rumford High more than 35 years ago. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame presented him its Medal of Courage at a black-tie dinner. Also a high school wrestler, McPhee was joined by a class of inductees that included Cael Sanderson, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist.
At the dinner, the lights went out for a five-minute video highlighting McPhee's life and his adventures after the injury.
"When the lights came back on, everyone was on their feet applauding and wiping tears from their eyes," said Jerry Perkins, the former Rumford football and wrestling coach.
"Bob just stared ahead but I could tell he was stoked. I still get emotional."
At the dinner, McPhee used a computer that speaks for him. "I spoke to the crowd that I'm no different than anyone 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 look around because there's always someone worse off."
A day after returning to Maine, McPhee covered a high school softball playoff game, using a different wheelchair.
After his injury, McPhee graduated from the University of Maine. He is not in the university's Sports Hall of Fame. He more than represents its ideals.
Staff Writer Steve Solloway can be contacted at 791-6412 or at: ssolloway@pressherald.com
Twitter: SteveSolloway