TUPATALK: Hall of Fame is journey back home, to youth

When it comes to Beatles songs, I'm pretty much a 1965-and-before kind of fan.

I thought the harmonies were tighter, the clarity of words and thoughts sharper, the musical manipulation of sounds exciting and fresh and the fan-friendly attitude stronger.

But, there is one exception. I treasure the final major hit by Lennon/McCartney, named "The Long and Winding Road."

I've always perceived the lyrics -- written by McCartney, as an anthem to the longing to return to simple truths and security of younger, simpler days of growing up.

There seems to be an underlying optimism that this quest is not in vain -- that the life of an individual begins in innocence and simplicity, but loses much of that in the hard-knuckled slugs and the devastating knockdowns of life. But, from the turmoil of battling through the heart-ripping challenges emergences a desire to return spiritually to the realms of the precious times during which we set our life's course.

AS I reflect on that, the nostalgia of the Bartlesville Athletic Hall of Fame caresses my heart like warm massages.

One of this year's inductees is in his late 90s -- others are far from fresh-faced youth of teenage craziness, sports achievements dripping with the dew of what seemed an inexhaustible supply of energy and dreams.

But, for the run-up to the Hall of Fame Induction, and especially on that special night, all of a sudden the years will melt away in the warmth of memories, fans, loved ones and recognition.

All of sudden, for a few hours, the inductee is once again that dynamo of childhood years, with all the same exciting hopes and opportunities looming ahead like a golden horizon.

As is stated in "The Long and Winding Road," they "know the way" to that realm of halcyon years.

They are home again, both in geography and in heart -- as are all of those who share that evening with them.

I remember those early years of the Hall of Fame, when we still enjoyed the company of beloved warriors like Bob Kurland, Dallas Dobbs, Ken Bruno, Venson Cumby, Jerry Cozby and many others, who are no longer with us.

I hope we all appreciate the magic of their presence until they reached the end of their final stage -- a push back for home.

Marta Manning and Jerry Quinn are two regular Hall of Fame dinner attendees who I still miss greatly.

My depth of emotion from the presence of my sister Pam at my still unbelievable induction runs deep. She's no longer with us but her strength gave me courage to try to accept this honor with courage and with grace.

Pam never forgot the kindness of the people of Bartlesville. I felt she had a claim on the award because of all the sacrifice she had made to care for our mom, which allowed me to go out and pursue my dreams.

I also would be amiss to fail to thank a higher power that helped lift me past the canyons of discouragement and provided me strength when my reservoir had run dry.

This year, a whole new class of inductees will recall their own personal heroes and saviors that helped them unlock their potential and make the right decisions.

I hope each one enjoys the journey of rediscovery of the times and wonders of their youth centered around Bartlesville.

Just a couple of more lines from the Lennon-McCartney song:

"Any way you'll never knowThe many ways I've tried.

"… You left me standing hereA long long time ago

"… Don't keep me waiting hereLead me to your door."

(The Long And Winding Road)

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: TupaTalk column