Farewell Superman

Heemann · Post by **Heemann** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 3:19 am

Sunday we lost not only the man who played Superman, but a man who's courage inspired a nation. You will be missed Christopher Reeve.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6223386/

Heemann

Kilaer · Post by **Kilaer** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 10:24 am

He will be really missed. Very good actor. He is in a better place now where he will be in no pain

Matil · Post by **Matil** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 2:57 pm

Story of my life. I am in the asshole minority, but I don't get it. Not to trivialize his death, because any death is a tragedy. I don't know anyone he inspired though.

He fell off a horse and was paralyzed. So he THEN starts a foundation for paralysis research. Where was his concern before falling off the horse? He used his fame and position for selfish gain. Not bad in and of itself, most people are like this. However, not a trait worthy of praise and respect.

Yslane · Post by **Yslane** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 3:39 pm

On one level, I agree with Matil, with the amount of awful things that can happen to people - it's very hard to pick a cause unless it affects you personally.

There are some organizations/causes that almost always get money out of me (and I'm a broke college student) and others that make me go "When I have money, that would be a good thing to do..."

As someone who rides horses, it's a jarring reminder of what can and -does- happen to people who decide to get on 1100lb animals with minds of their own and ask them to go jump over things. (Also, reminds me that I've been fortunate enough to have horses that 'take care' of their rider.)

As for 'being inspirational', there were several articles or interviews that I seem to recall about Reeves and living with paralasys - how he had several times wanted to commit suicide and instead decided to turn the corner and do the whole foundation thing.

I think that's pretty cool.

Matil · Post by **Matil** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 4:06 pm

*shrug*

I don't ride horses, but have battled clinical depression almost my whole life. I guess I don't see not commiting suicide as a big deal, I don't do it everyday. So far

Kahles · Post by **Kahles** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 5:02 pm

"Story of my life. I am in the asshole minority, but I don't get it. Not to trivialize his death, because any death is a tragedy. I don't know anyone he inspired though.

He fell off a horse and was paralyzed. So he THEN starts a foundation for paralysis research. Where was his concern before falling off the horse? He used his fame and position for selfish gain. Not bad in and of itself, most people are like this. However, not a trait worthy of praise and respect. "

a lot of ya know i been paralyzed for 14 years now. i seen a lot of people give up. despite the fact he didnt have a foundation before getting hurt doesnt matter. having ya life turned upside down is a wakeup call especially when ya battling just to stay alive as well as living this type of life. its easy to just give up and die when ya faced with the shit we have to put up with on a daily basis.

the inspiration comes from someone who was in the spotlight all of a sudden becomes one of us. he didnt give up and made a huge effort to make sure the rest of us arent forgotten. for those who on the verge of giving up can look at him and get inspiration to keep fighting. i battled my demons long ago, but there's a huge percentage of people who are paralyzed who just give up or on the verge of it. for them maybe seeing reeves in this position fighting to the end enough to make em fight the injury and not let it win.

don't let how he was before the accident changed him demean all that he's accomplished and what his fight means to others.

TeakaDruid · Post by **TeakaDruid** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 5:16 pm

My son was born with Spina Bifida which caused his paralysis from birth. He died 14 years ago from complication, but I know he would have been inspired by Reeves.

To be a "Hero" means to rise above and fight on...never give up and never say die. Reeves did that. It is wonderful that he also started a foundation that brings guidance and hope to others. He reached out. He exposed himself to the public eye to encourage others.

This exposure is a very difficult thing for any person to offer, but especially so when it involves visisble impairments. It took great courage for Mr. Reeves and was a sacrifice that I appreciate.

Venamdar · Post by **Venamdar** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 7:37 am

I will say the one thing I have come to understand above all others, we cannot change many of the things that life brings to us, but we can change what they do to us. Most people simply go through the motions of life, only savoring a few precious moments, such as holidays and special times. When such a dramatic fate unfolds, it causes you to realize that each and every day is a gift and none can be done over. Yes, we should embrace the good causes before we are forced to see the bad side of life, but how many do that? Some very few do. But most of us are barely conscious until slapped awake but the viscious hand of fate. The path to paradise winds through the gates of hell. During the dark time of recovery and healing, people such as Christopher Reeves are a light in the darkness. For too many simply lie down and await the end. I will miss Christopher Reeves, but his legacy will live on.

Venamdar

"Some of our most magnificent human strengths are forged in the crucible of adversity." ~ Paul Pearsall