Farewell, The Hero...

[note] Sadly, this was posted on 11 October 2004 after the passing of Christopher Reeve...

Sunday was and is a sad day in human history. A Superman is dead. A man of steel is no more. Christopher Reeve, best known for playing the role of Superman in several movies, as well as tie in spots on the WB's Smallville is dead. He suffered heart failure related to infection while being treated for a pressure wound, a common injur among the paralyzed due to the body's weight being focused in one area for extended lengths of time (same thing as bed sores).

Christopher Reeve was larger than life in many ways. Tall, he had an easy going smile, warm nature, and intelligent eyes that spoke volumes of his character. He was Superman after all! In 1995 he fell while riding his horse, breaking his neck and making him a quadrapalegic. That did not slow him down. He fought back, starting a charity to help in researching new treatments for paralysis, including embryonic stem cell research, was a major proponent both in public and in Washington of Stem Cell research, and was an outspoken source of hope for handicapped people of all ages and walks of life.

He worked hard to train his body to breathe on its own again, and even to regain some movement in a finger. While that last seems insignificant, the fact that 99% of paralysis patients never move the limb in question again, Christopher Reeve rose to the challenge, and healed, even that small amount, to show the world that hard work and determination can make all the difference.

His memory will live on forever through his movies, his charities, and images of his smile, which are now part of the public consciousness. God speed Superman. God bless Christopher Reeve.