by Renee Cox

Created on: May 31, 2008

Christopher Reeve was an inspiring person in the public eye who truly inspired many, including myself. As most of us know, he was severely injured in a horse riding accident and eventually died from the lack of immune defenses he was left with. He was told in the hospital in Virginia that his chances of surviving surgery were 50/50 and that, if he lived, he would be paralyzed from the shoulders down. Imagine yourself in his place-a very active person who loved every minute of his life, both personal and public.

Wouldn't it seem unfair to your loved ones and selfish if you stayed alive and required constant care from them? When he expressed these sentiments, his wife, Dana, told him to hold on for two years. If he still felt the same way, they could find a way to let him die. Dana Reeves always knew the right thing to say.

Pointing out choices to others that they are not aware of at the time is a great gift. It adds freedom to the most downtrodden lives. Christopher went on to be busier than ever in that two year time period, mostly helping others instead of pitying himself. He did not make time for that. He set up a foundation funded by the government (I don't mind my taxes going to things like that!)

Not that he never felt anger and resentment. At first, those were his main challenges other than his injuries.

His way of getting past the hurdles was his God-given innate sense of humor. He said it was "the best way to channel anger." (Christopher Reeve, Keeping Hope Alive). He joked in public (e.g. The David Letterman Show) and in private about everything he found challenging. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do that?

One of his fears was that his children had lost the dad they had come to know and love. But when they observed his actions and reactions after the accident, they loved him more than ever. We should all be that kind of parent, also.

Christopher did everything he possibly could to stay as healthy and vibrant as possible. And he was no kid. He was 50 when he had that special battery pack implanted in him.

He never gave up. He even titled his second book NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. What faith and courage! And what hard work to keep them constant and never let your loved ones down.

Although I weep for the trials of his orphaned children, I am so happy that he and Dana are together again. And if Christopher's example did anything, it created two sons who will grow up to be a GREAT contribution to our society and the world.

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